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24 Hours That Changed the World
No single event in human history has received more attention than the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. In this book, Adam Hamilton guides us through the last twenty-four hours of Jesus' life. Each chapter is designed to
133 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2009
168 people are currently reading
578 people want to read
About the author
Adam Hamilton
299 books287 followersRev. Adam Hamilton is the founding pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. He grew up in the Kansas City area. He earned a B.A. degree in Pastoral Ministry from Oral Roberts University and a Master of Divinity Degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection has grown from four people in 1990 to more than 16,000 adult members with an average weekly worship attendance of more than 8,600 in 2011. The church was listed as the most influential mainline church in America in a 2005 survey of American pastors.
Adam has been married 30 years to LaVon. They have two grown daughters.
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection has grown from four people in 1990 to more than 16,000 adult members with an average weekly worship attendance of more than 8,600 in 2011. The church was listed as the most influential mainline church in America in a 2005 survey of American pastors.
Adam has been married 30 years to LaVon. They have two grown daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
May 11, 2013
Our church used this book for an all-church study: sermons tied to Sunday school lessons. I co-taught this in an adult Sunday school class, and received a copy of the book from the church.
This is not an awful book, but it's certainly one of the best I've read either. The premise is good: Jesus' death was an event that changed the world. I could pick at Hamilton a bit to say that it was His resurrection, more than his death, that changed the apostles and thus changed the world. Of course, you can't have the resurrection without having the crucifixion. And, the last chapter briefly touches on the aftermath of the crucifixion, including the resurrection.
A problem I have with the book is Hamilton makes a number of questionable statement as if they were certainty. They are really big stretches. Here are some examples.
pg. 17: "So at noon on Thursday he turned to two of his disciples... and told them to go into town and prepare for the Passover feast...." No, the Bible doesn't say at what time of day this was. It may have been at noon, but it doesn't say. It was early enough that they had time to make the preparations. That's all we can say for certain. So Hamilton it trying to make the scripture say what it does not.
pg. 18: "Everything went just as Jesus had said...made the preparations in the upper room—probably the same room where, on the Day of Pentecost, one hundred twenty disciples...." Probably? Why on earth would he say that? We know both rooms were in Jerusalem and were upper rooms, but that's all we know. Why say probably the room where 13 ate was also the place where 120 gathers? It makes no sense to add this in the book.
pg. 47: "...the Sanhedrin...was callled hastily to the grand hall of what was no doubt a palatial home befitting the high priest." Sorry, but we really aren't told in the Bible where the Sanhedrin met—nor that Caiaphas' home had a grand hall. The gospels speak of a trial in the night, and then of the full Sanhedrin meeting at dawn. While the night trial was in the high priest's home, it's a stretch to say without a doubt the full Sanhedrin met in that home. Of course, Hamilton doesn't seem to understand that the gospels speak of this dawn trial.
I could give another six to ten examples of this, where Hamilton, in his attempt to provide commentary, goes out on a limb. It detracts from the book. Also, he seems overly concerned about this or that church that was built at a particular spot. He does say we can't be sure it's exactly the right spot, but goes on to tell about the church anyway. This also detracts.
As I said, it's not a bad book. I won't likely ever re-read it, but will keep it in my library unless the church wants it back. I suggest that you can find a better book on the resurrection than this one.
This is not an awful book, but it's certainly one of the best I've read either. The premise is good: Jesus' death was an event that changed the world. I could pick at Hamilton a bit to say that it was His resurrection, more than his death, that changed the apostles and thus changed the world. Of course, you can't have the resurrection without having the crucifixion. And, the last chapter briefly touches on the aftermath of the crucifixion, including the resurrection.
A problem I have with the book is Hamilton makes a number of questionable statement as if they were certainty. They are really big stretches. Here are some examples.
pg. 17: "So at noon on Thursday he turned to two of his disciples... and told them to go into town and prepare for the Passover feast...." No, the Bible doesn't say at what time of day this was. It may have been at noon, but it doesn't say. It was early enough that they had time to make the preparations. That's all we can say for certain. So Hamilton it trying to make the scripture say what it does not.
pg. 18: "Everything went just as Jesus had said...made the preparations in the upper room—probably the same room where, on the Day of Pentecost, one hundred twenty disciples...." Probably? Why on earth would he say that? We know both rooms were in Jerusalem and were upper rooms, but that's all we know. Why say probably the room where 13 ate was also the place where 120 gathers? It makes no sense to add this in the book.
pg. 47: "...the Sanhedrin...was callled hastily to the grand hall of what was no doubt a palatial home befitting the high priest." Sorry, but we really aren't told in the Bible where the Sanhedrin met—nor that Caiaphas' home had a grand hall. The gospels speak of a trial in the night, and then of the full Sanhedrin meeting at dawn. While the night trial was in the high priest's home, it's a stretch to say without a doubt the full Sanhedrin met in that home. Of course, Hamilton doesn't seem to understand that the gospels speak of this dawn trial.
I could give another six to ten examples of this, where Hamilton, in his attempt to provide commentary, goes out on a limb. It detracts from the book. Also, he seems overly concerned about this or that church that was built at a particular spot. He does say we can't be sure it's exactly the right spot, but goes on to tell about the church anyway. This also detracts.
As I said, it's not a bad book. I won't likely ever re-read it, but will keep it in my library unless the church wants it back. I suggest that you can find a better book on the resurrection than this one.
January 2, 2011
Quite interesting. I am reading it as part of group study. Adam is well read, and has some wonderful points. Definitely has a few bones to spit out, but considering it's coming from a United Methodist, it's really quite good.
April 12, 2017
Excellent book, really helps you put the Easter Season and Holy Week into perspective. This book will help to understand better what Easter is and why it is so important.
June 2, 2025
I read this weekly through lent leaving up to the Easter season. what a great way to view the last 24 hours of Jesus's life as well as His ultimate gift to us, His resurrection. Unfortunately I didn't finish until much later than Easter Sunday, but it was still as impactful and makes me think even harder about what He did for me and for you. I learned so much in the last chapter especially but the various theories presented throughout have given much for me to think about as continue my walk with Jesus.
April 27, 2012
Interesting books about the last 24 hours of the life of Christ. There are facts about the crucifixion that I never knew. Mostly, Hamilton spends the book putting the reader in the shoes of the various players in this oft-told but little understood story. I don't recall ever getting a history lesson about these factions and competing narratives before. I understand more about this time and these circumstances than I ever have and for that I'm grateful to Hamilton for the work he did preparing this text.
March 19, 2013
A great book which takes a look at Jesus' last 24 hours on earth. As a Believer all my life, I found the book to expand upon my knowledge, as connections were made between Old Testament writings and things that occurred during the last hours before Jesus' death and resurrection.
Of course, I also feel that there could not have been a much better time to read this book, than during the Lenten season, as we look forward to Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. I certainly feel as though my heart has been prepared in a totally new and different way for this coming Easter!!
Of course, I also feel that there could not have been a much better time to read this book, than during the Lenten season, as we look forward to Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. I certainly feel as though my heart has been prepared in a totally new and different way for this coming Easter!!
April 1, 2013
This is an indepth look at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. I found some of the authors points very interesting. He made some relevant reflections regarding just what it might mean to befriend a man who is condemned to die. He makes note of the strain the apostles were under, underscores the political situation that contributed to the tensions in the city and explains what the Jewish people were looking for in a Messiah.
Sometimes I felt he drew conclusions which had no foundational backing but the book was still well worth a read.
Sometimes I felt he drew conclusions which had no foundational backing but the book was still well worth a read.
January 4, 2023
Good book. Interesting to think about the different points of view that there were Jesus' sacrifice. Made me think of who I identified with and how I would have reacted to it. Pretty in depth look at the last 24 hrs of his life (and a little on his resurrection).
August 17, 2020
Looking at this very narrow time frame in great detail was so inspirational. Understanding what a Jesus went through, how he went through it, and why he went through it was profound. I will read this every year at Easter.
April 22, 2011
I enjoyed this book b/c it made you look at yourself and see yourself in each of the people who were involved in Jesus' last day--Pilate, Peter, Judas, etc. Perfect read for the Easter season.
March 10, 2013
Amazing book! Really makes you look at the details surrounding the last 24 hours of Jesus' life and see things differently. Such a great read for Lent!
March 27, 2016
Well done.
March 30, 2024
This is a detailed, almost hour-by-hour account of what happened to Jesus Christ from the Last Supper to Easter Sunday morning, making it the perfect book to read during Holy Week.
Adam Hamilton, a prolific author and minister in the United Methodist Church, recounts the events of the Passion—Jesus's suffering, death, and Resurrection—using four writing techniques:
1. The pertinent account from the Bible according to the Gospel of Mark is provided.
2. Hamilton offers his own detailed explanation of the events, including not only what happened, but also the deeper meaning, spiritual significance, and the history behind it all.
3. Each chapter concludes with a reflection that includes a Bible verse, brief meditation, and a prayer.
4. Travel notes help readers better understand the geographical place of Jerusalem in the time of Jesus.
Among other things, find out:
• Why Jesus was so distressed and anguished when he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane in the early morning hours of Friday. Understanding this offers insight into the meaning of Gethsemane.
• Four lucid explanations of the Atonement, that complex theology of how it is that Jesus's death on the cross atones for our sins.
• Why the crowd chose the release of Jesus Barabbas over Jesus of Nazareth. It's fascinating!
• A description of what happened when someone was crucified and why the Romans preferred this type of capital punishment.
• An inspiring discussion of the life after death and its connection to the Resurrection.
This is an easy-to-read and easy-to-understand book (translation: no degree in theology is necessary) that tries to place the reader in the middle of the action in a way that enhances the gospel readings about the Passion of our Lord for our modern times.
Adam Hamilton, a prolific author and minister in the United Methodist Church, recounts the events of the Passion—Jesus's suffering, death, and Resurrection—using four writing techniques:
1. The pertinent account from the Bible according to the Gospel of Mark is provided.
2. Hamilton offers his own detailed explanation of the events, including not only what happened, but also the deeper meaning, spiritual significance, and the history behind it all.
3. Each chapter concludes with a reflection that includes a Bible verse, brief meditation, and a prayer.
4. Travel notes help readers better understand the geographical place of Jerusalem in the time of Jesus.
Among other things, find out:
• Why Jesus was so distressed and anguished when he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane in the early morning hours of Friday. Understanding this offers insight into the meaning of Gethsemane.
• Four lucid explanations of the Atonement, that complex theology of how it is that Jesus's death on the cross atones for our sins.
• Why the crowd chose the release of Jesus Barabbas over Jesus of Nazareth. It's fascinating!
• A description of what happened when someone was crucified and why the Romans preferred this type of capital punishment.
• An inspiring discussion of the life after death and its connection to the Resurrection.
This is an easy-to-read and easy-to-understand book (translation: no degree in theology is necessary) that tries to place the reader in the middle of the action in a way that enhances the gospel readings about the Passion of our Lord for our modern times.
April 30, 2019
Excellent text. It had a lot of historical information based on evidence.....not just the timeline of events on the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, but also the fact that the nails were not long enough to go through both feet with one foot on top of the other so the feet were actually nailed to side of the cross through the tendons in the heels. I also found it so interesting that Christians, in general, have been taught or shown pictures of the crucifixion where it looked like Jesus was 10 feet in the air. He was actually no more than 3 feet from the ground so He could look people in the eye and he was close enough to taunt, get spit on, etc.
Jesus’ teachings of LOVE, FORGIVENESS AND GRACE are so counterculture for people of all eras of history! It’s beyond my human comprehension why Jesus’ teachings are not paramount in our Universe since the theology of war, hate and non-forgiveness are the exact things that make our existence so painful and cause positive change for our world, countries, nations and universe to halt and to move backwards in evolution. The farther we choose to move away from Godly teaching, the closer we come to extinction.
Jesus’ teachings of LOVE, FORGIVENESS AND GRACE are so counterculture for people of all eras of history! It’s beyond my human comprehension why Jesus’ teachings are not paramount in our Universe since the theology of war, hate and non-forgiveness are the exact things that make our existence so painful and cause positive change for our world, countries, nations and universe to halt and to move backwards in evolution. The farther we choose to move away from Godly teaching, the closer we come to extinction.
March 20, 2021
I don't regret reading this book, as it held some helpful insights into cultural values and traditions at the time of Jesus' life, but I didn't especially appreciate Hamilton's writing style. Many of his claims seemed like he was grasping at straws, and to echo another reviewer, his writing often felt 'detached - like he wasn't sure if he believed the material he was presenting'. There were a few times that he presented common 'theories' about Jesus' death on the cross, dividing the truth into several supposedly exclusive theories and adding even more that aren't biblically supported. Overall, I found the historical and cultural details interesting, but wish he'd also paid closer attention to the Bible.
April 4, 2023
I always love reading this book around Holy Week and I am so thankful that I was reminded of it this year. Even though it is a reread, there are always new things that I didn’t recall from the last read. Every year, my life circumstances allow me to see the book from a different perspective and to reflect on the various ways the story is being played out in the world and my own life.
Reading this book and hearing the Holy Week sermons and messages surrounding the activities offered at the church and other places is refreshing and convicting. It tend to help to reaffirm the message of victory and hope that is in the story of the last days of Jesus life. I hope I always remember to read this book and pray to learn from it each time.
Reading this book and hearing the Holy Week sermons and messages surrounding the activities offered at the church and other places is refreshing and convicting. It tend to help to reaffirm the message of victory and hope that is in the story of the last days of Jesus life. I hope I always remember to read this book and pray to learn from it each time.
April 16, 2023
#10: READ A CHRISTIAN BOOK: This was a very powerful book. I liked the discussion notes that Mr. Hamilton included after each chapter. It is a deeply moving account of the last day of Jesus' life. This is a very well researched and written book. I had missed a week during our church's 6 week Lenten bible study and was only recently able to finish it. I love Adam Hamilton, his videos are very informative for "lay people" and his books are thought provoking....would highly recommend...and would love to see this used in confirmation. Since finishing this Lenten bible study....I have come across the Conqueror virtual events and one of the activity events was a Jesus Trail walk....which I think would definitely add to the power of this season. Am
April 1, 2018
Hamilton’s studies always give me a lot to think about, and this was no different. I participated in the Lenten study with several members of my church community, and, through this text and the conversations it led to, I feel so much more connected to the power and purpose of what Christ endured in those hours before and during his crucifixion. I finished the concluding chapter the night before Easter Sunday, and look forward to celebrating his victory over death with a new perspective on the events of Holy Week.
April 16, 2022
The crucifixion of Christ gets me every single time. As a believer of Jesus, this is the pinnacle of our faith. This book takes you through the last suggested hours of the life of Christ. While easy to read and understand, it lacked some conviction in my opinion. I did like this better than another of his works I had read. It did not feel like a pastor was writing it, but more like an outsider who knew the faith, if that makes sense. It did give me some food for thought in a few viewpoints. A decent little book.
April 18, 2022
"People ask me, 'Do you really believe this story of the Resurrection?' And my answer is always the same, I not only believe it, I am counting on it"
This book was eye opening for me. I have read the Gospels and the Easter story many times but I've never thought of the things this pastor/author brings up. He makes you think of not only what Jesus would have thought and gone through but of all the other people involved. Truly a book all Christ followers and non-believers alike should attempt to read. Highly recommend!
This book was eye opening for me. I have read the Gospels and the Easter story many times but I've never thought of the things this pastor/author brings up. He makes you think of not only what Jesus would have thought and gone through but of all the other people involved. Truly a book all Christ followers and non-believers alike should attempt to read. Highly recommend!
September 5, 2025
Most people are familiar with the timeline of Jesus Death and Resurrection. This book breaks down the 24 hours from his arrest shortly after the Last Supper to the Crucifixation on Good Friday. The book covers the Pharisees and Sadduccees reasons for the charges and the last words of Jesus interactions with the Sanhedrin, Pilate, the soldiers and his apostles. A very detailed book that makes you think what would have been YOUR responses or actions if you were a Roman soldier, a member of the religious elite or one of Jesus apostles.
April 5, 2019
3.5 Didn't love the writing style. The author presented many different theories of atonement, which was interesting but his tone was kind of detatched-like he wasn't entirely sure he believed the theories himself. Also, some of the historical and geographical stuff wasn't new or compelling to me.
But- this book still had me thinking. It challenged me to think about why I believe what I believe, and to see myself in some of the people of the story that I don't usually identify with.
But- this book still had me thinking. It challenged me to think about why I believe what I believe, and to see myself in some of the people of the story that I don't usually identify with.
May 10, 2023
Adam Hamilton, pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Kansas, is also a well-written author of many books that bring understanding and insight to God’s word. I read this book as a personal study during the Easter season. It chronicles the events of the last 24 hours of Jesus’ life and reflects on their meaning for all Christians. The on-location companion videos, filmed in Jerusalem, add depth and texture to the lessons in the book.
April 19, 2022
As expected, much of the book is from the Bible. Adam Hamilton enhances our appreciation/ understanding of the last day of Jesus' life on earth. He provides many historical details, such as graphic description of the crucifixion, possible seating around the table at the Last Supper, and where Jesus was between the time He passed to when He arose from the dead.
March 28, 2018
Wonderful
I found things about Jesus’ last 24 hours that I never knew. Some were enlightening and some were frightening. That anyone but Jesus could have endured through the torture he did, was a lasting testament that there is hope through him that believe.
I found things about Jesus’ last 24 hours that I never knew. Some were enlightening and some were frightening. That anyone but Jesus could have endured through the torture he did, was a lasting testament that there is hope through him that believe.
March 14, 2020
An okay book that tells of Jesus's last 24 hours, from the Last Supper until his resurrection. Made me think about some of what I was taught and think about some of my behaviors. Not a remarkable book.
April 11, 2020
I really enjoyed this in depth look in the last 24 hours of Jesus life. I have felt like I knew a lot about these events yet new details and ideas that I had not thought of were addressed. The last chapter was awesome with bringing the resurrection story full circle and relating to modern times.
February 3, 2021
Excellent book. Sometimes I feel it is difficult to find a Christian book that teaches new things and perspectives after growing up in the Church, but I learned many new things from this one! Great insights and historical background
February 2, 2022
I love the Christian historic books that place you in Jesus's world as he would have experienced it. Adam Hamilton does this on a number of occasions and this one doesn't disappoint. He also opened my eyes to Jesus was more than just a savior. He was a man with emotions, and anger, and a heart.
April 11, 2022
Read during Holy Week. A thoughtful reflection on the passion of Jesus. Good scholarship coupled with helpful and relevant applications to daily life. I read this, having previously read Hamilton's Advent-based book "The Journey".
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews