They Walked with God: 40 Bible Characters Who Inspire Us

by Max Lucado

The characters we meet in the Bible play a huge role in our lives. Whether we personally relate to Joseph’s dedication to serving the Lord even when he was confused or we understand when Mary Magdalene mourns in front of the vacant tomb, the timeless stories we find in the Bible influence and inspire us to learn to be more like Christ. But how can we apply these lessons to our everyday lives? In They Walked with God , a compilation adapted from previous works with new content added, pastor and New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado takes a closer look at 40 of the most inspirational characters in the Bible and shares a powerful if God can find a place for each character in the Bible, we can rest assured that he’s carved out a spot for us too. They Walked with God includes a series of meaningful, in-depth discussion questions that correspond with each biblical character that Max has highlighted, giving you a chance to reflect further about the incredible lives they led and the lessons we can learn from them. This one-of-a-kind, interactive resource is ideal for devout followers and new believers alike. In this compilation, Max weaves together stories from Scripture with stories that offer a modern perspective, bringing each of these men and women to life within the pages of They Walked with God . Max will encourage you as you get to know these figures, and yourself, better Max adds dimension and depth to 40 incredible people who had the chance to walk alongside God, reminding us that we’re invited to walk alongside him too.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Audiobook, Biography, Christian Non Fiction, Christianity

400 pages, Hardcover

Published June 7, 2022

About the author

With more than 150 million products in print and several NYT bestsellers, Max Lucado is America's bestselling inspirational author. He serves the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy. His most recent book published in August 2024 and is titled What Happens Next.

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Reviews

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

My thanks to Thomas Nelson and libro.fm for an advanced audio copy of this book to listen to and review.

It probably didn’t help that I was listening to this with next to no sleep under my belt for weeks. The narrator had a very soothing tone of voice and the topic is the Bible, so relaxing. Too relaxing. I had to stop halfway through my commute each day so o wouldn’t fall asleep behind the wheel.

That docked it a star for me, to be perfectly honest.

I also wasn’t fond of the imagining what the Biblical characters thought, did and said that wasn’t in the Bible. It made me uncomfortable. I understand why he did it, but I didn’t agree with it.

Not horrible, but I wasn’t wowed. I do like his books, but this one missed the mark a tad for me.

3, might have been better for me if I had read instead of listened, stars.

[Debra Slonek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each chapter of this book focuses on a different character from the Bible and begins with a passage from the Bible. Through skilled and inspired writing, this author imparts wisdom and truth with compassion and sincerity. In many of the chapters, I felt like he was speaking directly to me.

A standout chapter for me is the one about Mary Magdalene. The author centered this lesson around Psalm 30:5, Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning. This verse has the hard-earned position of being my favorite Bible verse.

Another chapter that spoke to me personally was the one about Noah. Noah was a flood survivor. What “floods” have you survived? I have survived “floods” which did not involve excessive amounts of water. Each “flood” that I have survived has uniquely qualified me to give hope to someone else.

This book blessed me, comforted me and challenged me. I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing through the Amazon Vine Program.

[Bethany Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please read this book

This book is phenomenal. It really pulls you in to the people mentioned in the Bible, and sheds light on their story from a completely different direction. The discussion questions really make you dive deeper into the Bible as well. Very few books will I read again, but this is definitely one of them!

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I learned so much about key Biblical characters, while also looking to this as an outlet to read whenever I felt challenged, frustrated, or out of control (so always as I keep being reminded that God is in control).

I highly recommend and plan to return to it annually.

[Ann Haefele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a work in progress as it has taken me since last spring to read the entire book. I’ve read it with a discussion group doing one or two chapters each time. It takes a closer look at 40 different bible characters, some well known and others not so well known. Each chapter is a beautifully written character study with modern day examples to help the reader’s understanding. I learned a lot about the characters in the Bible, their motivations, and their relationships with Jesus and or God.

[Marissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Max Lucado's story telling in this book. He documents his writing with Biblical verses. For me, there is a fine line between "preachy" and story-telling. He does a great job of simply telling a story based on what scriptures states. This book is a great reminder of the type of people attracted to Jesus' company. Those who were intrigued, or curious, or broken, or dying, or outcast, those shunned by society for their culture and race-- they lurked and watched, approached, listened. He had something to offer them when no one else did. He accepted and loved them no matter what society thought; because, it didn't phase Him what society thought. He stood up for them when they were humiliated, ridiculed and welcomed them to Him.
Lucado does a great job of bringing to light their stories. Those I was most intrigued by were: Rahab, Esther, the Samaritan woman, the bleeding woman, and the woman accused by the religious leaders of adultery.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me a while to get into but really enjoyed each chapter.

[Aneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Lucado never disappoints, and this book is no exception. I especially enjoyed his weaving of contemporary examples with these well-known and not-so-well-known people from the Bible. Ben Holland once again does a masterful job as narrator, and as was discussed in an interview between author and narrator, even Max Lucado has come to think of him as his stand-in (my words, not his). (This refers to the Audible version.)

[Melissa Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Lucado never fails to astonish me with his down to earth, yet spirit filled writing. He takes the lives of 40 people from the Bible and gives a new view of them. I have read about these lives since I was a child, yet walked away from each chapter with something new-something to open my eyes and heart more to my God. One again, thank you, Max for your amazing way of writing and speaking to my heart about our great God and Savior, Jesus.

[Joy Lusk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

Max Lucado did a masterful job of bringing the 40 Bible characters alive in ways that will truly inspire you. I very rarely read a book more than once. But I will read this book again and again. Life changing truths communicated in relatable and impactful ways. I was sorry to see it end.

[Barbara O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

so inspirational

I started out planning to read about one character each day but could hardly put the book down. Max Lucado brings a new light to familiar stories that cause you to stop and consider the situations that they found themselves in. Then he weaves a connection between the characters and the life of the reader. I was actually sad to get to the last page.

[brian d rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like a lot of Max Lucado books, I found they walked with God to be very entertaining!, Let me be clear, Max tends to word things with quite a bit of contemporary dialogue. Mostly, this ends up being helpful, sometimes, it ends up kind of getting in the way, at least for me. Occasionally, I find myself not really wanting the authors tendency to paraphrase as often as he does….this is both the best points in the worst points of reading Christian authors. Their words are helpful, but honestly connecting with the Bible is what really matters. A well written Christian book will serve as a guide through Bible verses, chapters and books, and hopefully, make an educated statement by the time the book is completed. I use this book to help increase my personal connection with the characters of the Bible. They were inspired by and lives lives for God. The best thing about a book like this, is the fact that it has the journaling portions, that are nice to help you feel connected, discover a few things, and reestablish your relationship with Jesus often in a deeply personal way. I use this in combination with a recent weight loss effort. So, the deep dive was quite helpful during that 40 day stretch. Strongly recommended for anybody, either looking to reconnect, strengthen, or continue to pursue their walk with God among the pages of the Bible.

[Ashley May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Lucado's "They Walked With God" offers more than just Bible stories; it provides rich historical context and thoughtful reflection. Lucado skillfully paints the likely backgrounds of each narrative, immersing readers in the world of these biblical figures. This approach not only makes the stories more relatable but also enhances our understanding of the challenges and triumphs of these individuals.

One of the book's strengths is its ability to weave in historical information seamlessly. Lucado's attention to detail brings the ancient world to life, shedding light on the cultural and societal norms that shaped these iconic stories. This historical backdrop adds depth and credibility, making the book an enriching experience for those interested in biblical history.

Furthermore, Lucado's thought-provoking questions encourage readers to engage with the text on a deeper level. These questions prompt introspection and invite us to consider how these ancient stories resonate with our own lives. By posing these striking questions, Lucado challenges us to examine our beliefs and values, making "They Walked With God" a truly transformative read.

[Sandra Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book of 40 stories, or we might say "reports" of Biblical individuals. The author relates the stories with good authority - they are very Biblical, in fact, a good bit of Scripture is used in each story. Lucado uses humor, good story-telling to make the story relatable and understandable, and helpful explanation. He also includes questions at the end of each story to encourage interaction with the material. Characters in these stories are many that are well-known (like David, Esther, and Jacob), along with some that are lesser-known (like Jairus, Mephibosheth, and Sapphira). This is a good book to use as a devotional, a resource for teaching, or just to read for encouragement and edification. I like the cover too.

[Jaime reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our weekly Bible study recently wrapped up They Walked with God, and let me tell you… this book blessed every single one of us. Max Lucado has a way of taking familiar Bible characters and making their journeys feel personal, relatable, and alive. Week after week, we found ourselves digging deeper into the stories of people who weren’t perfect but they chose to walk with God anyway.

Each chapter reminded us that God walks with real people, with real struggles, real doubts, and real faith.

This book sparked testimonies, questions and those “mmm-hmm, I felt that” moments. The whole group said the same thing: 10/10, highly recommend.

If you want to see the Bible through fresh eyes and understand how everyday people leaned on God, this is the one.

[Kandi A. Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Strong Set of Words

I have read a lot of Max's books over the years, but this book is different. The words are stronger, the stories with more impact and meaning. The thoughts more provocative. Lots to contemplate in the stories of those that encounter Jesus. The one word I would use is the book is powerful, it brings emotions to the surface as one thinks about what these people that encountered him must have experienced. Faith, belief, and choices, leading to grace and ever lasting life. I don't think I have ever read anything like this before. Highly recommended for those seeking Jesus and those wanting reassurance of grace.

[Sheila Dailie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose this book as my Lenten devotional journey this year and I actually read it nearly every day, and found that when I did fall behind, it was easy to get back to it again. It was especially amazing that the last few days centered on people that were involved with Holy Week. Max Lucado's interpretation was usually interesting, though one person's vignette felt like it wasn't true to Scripture. For the most part, his perspective brought fresh interpretations.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've discovered I'm not a Bible study kind of gal. Or at least I thought so until I read this. Though the sections are brief and seem to only cover a tiny portion of anything, they are profound. I'm not going to go out and buy a bunch of Bible studies now. In fact, I thought this was something other than that. Having said that, I learned a lot and was moved deeply. I highly recommend.... especially if you enjoy a brief Bible study format.

[Kim Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this book! Max is so good at bringing the truth of the Bible to us with wonderful narration and beautiful stories. His hometown boy style just makes you feel so at home, and he pulls at your heart. The characters in this book from the Bible a truly brought to life along with God’s truth. Highly recommend this book to everybody!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at 40 various Bible characters - mostly from the New Testament - and lessons we can learn from them. Max Lucado's writing provides a modern twist that inspires personal reflection. I do not agree with some of his character descriptions; however, the way the characters are presented causes me to see them from a different perspective.

[Pam Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, which was given to me as a Christmas gift. The 40 stories are repeated from the Bible, but insights are added so we can apply them to our daily lives. Lucado is always delightful to read. Each story can be read in about 5 minutes and there are questions after each one to aid the reader into thinking deeper and applying the principles.

[Bud Lorick · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all walk daily with God

One of his best. Enjoy every minutes of it. When I was reading it, did not remember who was going to be the next. This make it for myself more enjoyable. The last chapter was the climax to me. The Gift of Choice

[Phyllis Gruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent read by Max Lucado

The insights Reverend Lucado has i!nto God's Word is insightful, encouraging, often convicting,
but always spiritually uplifting. Another God-inspired read.

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real People

Max always takes Biblical facts and writes about them in a setting that is easy to understand and and relate to. He asks questions that will make you think about some of your decisions and choices.

[Kelly Killian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. I read a chapter a day so I could reflect on it everything I was reading. The insight, the comparisons and the way he tells the stories, as well as Max's always upbeat and positive approach, has made him a favorite author. This book is one of the best of his I've read so far.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy Max’s writings and I was surprised to learn about these 40 characters. One wouldn’t think there was much to read about their lives, some are not even mentioned by name in the Bible, and I was pleasantly surprised.

[Vittorio · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Lear a lot about the super stars of the Bible through this easy reading book!!! Praising God & The Holy Spiriit for guiding me so I would be in lightened on the word of God! I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to go deeper into the word!

[Ranie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent study guide to learning stories from the Bible. Very detailed and informative. Highly recommended

[Cheryl Willams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book about bible people.

[Rick Farlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

CHIRP AUDIOBOOK

EXCELLENT, just like the rest of the books authored by Max Lucado. 40 Bible characters is just a beginning; there’s so many more for an additional book.