Just Like Jesus

by Max Lucado

God loves you just the way you are, but he refuses to leave you there. He wants you to be just like Jesus.Can you think of a better offer?Jesus felt no guilt; God wants you to feel no guilt. Jesus had no bad habits; God wants to do away with yours. Jesus had no fears; God wants the same for you. Jesus had no anxiety about death; you needn't either. God's desire, his plan, his ultimate goal is to make you into the image of Christ.But how does this change occur? And why does the change seem so slow? If God wants me to be just like Jesus, why do I still seem just like me?In Just Like Jesus , Max Lucado helps you answer these questions. He helps you understand God's wonderful ways of transformation. Would you like to know more? Then read on. And God loves you just way you are, but he refuses to leave you there. He wants you to be just like Jesus.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Christian Living, Faith, Religion, Christian Non Fiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

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

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent look at what it means to truly live like Jesus. I particularly liked the story about where the phrase "face the music" came from.

[Sunshine Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I read a Max Lucado book, I know it will contain heart-felt messages, humorous moments and scriptural truths told in a fresh way. And "Just Likes Jesus" is truly a powerful read! In this book, Lucado talks about how we can love like Jesus, forgive like Jesus, be honest and pure like Jesus and endure to the end like Jesus. Lucado centers his text around this saying: "God loves you just the way you are, but he refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus." We can become more like Christ and Lucado shows us how by sharing Biblical stories of how Jesus reacted, how he showed compassion, how he handled the people he was "stuck with" and what he did when surrounded by trials and difficulties. In Chapter 3, Lucado shares the story of a leper being healed through the leper's point of view. Very moving! In Chapter 7, Lucado asks the reader some telling questions like: Am I fitting into God's plan? What are my longings? Am I serving God now? These questions are to help the reader find their focus and stay on course with completing their God-given Assignment. Chapter 10 talks about finding opportunity and purpose even during the dark times. My book had a study guide at the end. "Just like Jesus" is definitely a book worth reading! It will inspire you as much as it inspired me!

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I can't stand Christian preachers/writers/friends who pretend that now they have Christ they never had a previous life and temptations. I often think we can be in denial as to who we are and how we are made. This book reminds its reader of that in a lighthearted way. If you are a Christian who is struggling with try to stay in the light, then read this. You will feel better about who you are and laugh at what you do. I found that while I was trying to be faithful to my faith this book reminded me to have less zeal and more compassion.

[Shadyside Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

To put it simply, this book was a great reminder to… yep, be more like Jesus! The many different facets discussed throughout the book were very simple and easy to understand. They were paired with many great stories and analogies. Although the concepts were nothing groundbreaking, they were definitely much needed reminders for me (someone who aims to please the Lord in their everyday life.)

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book! It was helpful and gave very applicable steps to becoming more like Jesus! I would recommend this to any new believers or people who want to grow deeper in their relationship with God.

[Barry Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

God loves you just as you are, but refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be …JUST LIKE JESUS, is the longer than typical title of a book by popular Christian author Max Lucado (Word Publishing, Nashville, 1998). Lucado’s book is about a topic that is central to recovery – change.
Have you ever wondered what God’s will is for you life? According to the Apostle Paul God’s will for you is to be “conformed [or changed] to the image of his Son” (Rom. 8:29). In other words, God wants you to be like Jesus.
Lucado says that we will become like Jesus when God changes our hearts. “It’s not enough for him to own you; he wants to change you.” That will happen when, according to Lucado, we ask God to dwell deeply in our hearts long enough for our hearts to begin to change. In this humorous, easy to read and very practical book Lucado considers eleven ways in which our hearts can be changed by God to make us more like Jesus.
In “Loving the People You Are Stuck With: A Forgiving Heart” Lucado shows that relationships are strengthened not when the guilty are punished but when the innocent are merciful.
“The Touch of God: A Compassionate Heart” uses the story of the leper Jesus healed to remind us that Jesus touches the untouchable and shows the beauty of loving to unlovable.
One of the most powerful chapters for change is “Hearing God’s Music: A Listening Heart.” In this chapter Lucado shares very practical advice for meeting God through Bible study. Here the reader discovers how to “vacation in God’s splendor.”
There are eight other chapters that address ways to conform our hearts to the heart of Jesus so that we can become more like him.
Successful recovery requires that we ‘turn our will and our lives over to the care of God” (Step 3). Paul tells us that God’s will for us is that we become like Jesus. If you want to become more like Jesus you should read Max Lucado’s Just Like Jesus.

[Mary Ladrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Like Jesus written by Max Lucado was a great easy read! I highly recommend this to anyone interested in learning about how to be just like Jesus. Each chapter starts with a relevant verse from the bible, a personal experience from Lucado and exploration of a particular theme. The themes included forgiveness, compassion, listening, contact with God, worship, focusing on Jesus, honesty, the mind, finding hope, heaven and finishing the journey strong. There are questions at the end to reflect on each chapter which highlight areas for further spiritual development. This book is ideal for bible study sessions too! Enjoy!

[Arlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful :) :) :) :) And inspiring!!!!

[Loraine Alcorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to read Just Like Jesus By Max Lucado through book sneeze and I really loved it . This is such a great book and Max is really at his best and most helpful.
I Have read many a book by Max Lucado and they are always so good and so uplifting that I re-read them all the time. Just Like Jesus By Max Lucado is going to be one I treasure always.

What I really like about Max is his ability to really get to the heart of an issue and apply humor to it in a way we can all relate to. This book as 12 easy to read chapters and at the back of the book each chapter has questions so it doubles as a work book.

Each chapter helps us understand how we can be more like Jesus and how its important to rely on Jesus and his authority to help us do this. My very favorite chapter is titled The greenhouse of the Mind : A Pure heart. I loved this chapter so much because I could really relate to the problem of facing things like guilt or other thoughts that try and steal our joy in the Lord. I am applying what I learned from this chapter and its really helping me a lot.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants disparately to grow in Christ and for those looking for a group study book. All the questions in the book make for a better understanding on how to really get the most out of each chapter, its a really complete Christian Growth book. I am so happy I got to read it and I'm so Happy Max Lucado wrote it. Thanks for reading my review of Just Like Jesus By Max Lucado.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

For many Christians, the phrase "Come as you are" is popular. The problem, however, is the misconception that it's okay to stay that way. I love how this book addresses the need to change and become more like Jesus, more like the one we follow.
Max Lucado identifies key areas of Christ's character that we can emulate, but only if we keep our eyes on Him. I always appreciate how Lucado makes these lessons applicable and relatable by using anecdotes and his own personal failures and triumphs. A great read that reminds us of the beauty of Christ's heart.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended for all!

[Leya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He loves you just the way you are , but he refuses to to leave you that way.He wants you to be just like Jesus.

[Amy Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

2022 - lead a book study of this book with ladies in Keystone. Great book filled with practical applications!

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book on truly seeking Christ and developing the mind of Christ. An emphasis is put on the diligence and determination that the Christian life requires as we follow after our Savior.

[Demiee Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is all about, transforming into the image of Christ. Jesus is the perfect example. He had no guilt, no bad habits, no fears, no anxiety and no sin. God wants us to be the same. God wants us to be like Him and have a heart like His.
Jesus has a forgiving heart. He forgives everyone. The Lord wants us to bear with one another and forgive others as He forgave us. A compassionate heart, Jesus showed compassion on the one’s who people disliked. He intentionally reached out to those in need of love. God wants us to clothe ourselves with compassion and kindness. A listening heart, Jesus is always listening to His Father’s voice. We are to listen like sheep, we recognize the shepherd’s voice and we run away from the stranger’s voice. A God-intoxicated heart, Jesus knew that He needed God. So do we, apart from Him we can do nothing. A worship-hungry heart, as Jesus went to worship, His appearance changed. Let us seek God and allow Him to change our hearts and our minds. God changes those who watch us worship. A focused heart, Jesus was focused on what God’s plan for Him is. Let us focus on God that we may know what His’ will for us is. An honest heart, Jesus never lied and the Lord hates a lying tongue. Let us speak of the truth and nothing but the truth. A pure heart, Jesus faced humiliation but unlike us He refused to receive it. We should guard our hearts and allow it to go through Jesus’ authority. A hope-filled heart, Jesus gone through rough times, He believed that this is God’s will and may it be done. Though we may experience trials, let us hold on to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. A rejoicing heart, whenever a sinner repents, heaven celebrates. Let us rejoice and be glad always for your names are written in heaven. An enduring heart, Jesus went through pain and sufferings but He didn’t quit. For He has focused on the joy God has set before Him. Let us fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life and finish strong.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, God wants us to come and see. For all those who seek will surely find Him. God rewards those who seek Him.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today I am reviewing Just Like Jesus by Max Lucado. I will be the first to admit I am not a big Lucado fan, in fact it took me several days to read the first 3 pages of this book. In order to write an honest review I knew it would require me to actually read the book, so I trudged on. Much to my surprise just a few short pages later I found I did not want to lay Just Like Jesus down! The chapters were short and pretty concise making the 12 chapters a quick read.
I enjoyed the theme of each chapter- A Heart Like His, A Forgiving Heart, A Compassionate Heart………and so on to be both encouraging and thought provoking. Each chapter is filled with plenty of scripture references and everyday practical examples to express the point being made. It is refreshing to see things in a new light. I appreciated reading Lucado’s description about the celebration in Heaven when a wayward soul repents. I have read that scripture many times but I have never given it much thought. I shared the thoughts of Jesus being kind and showing friendship to Judas at the Last Supper with my son who is 8. He has been struggling with being kind to those who do not treat us well.
I recommend this book to anyone who is striving to be more like our Savior. You will find lots of good, useful information in Just Like Jesus.
This book was provided to me by Thomas Nelson, the publisher, through the Booksneeze program in exchange for an honest review.

[D · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reason why it took me so long to read this book was that I misplaced it for several days, but wanted to read it. Most of the book was extremely interesting. My book was actually the orange paperback version, but I could not find the ISBN on Goodreads. The book emphasized over and over that enthusiasm must be part of the faith. That even means that children watching their parents in days prior to getting ready for church must "feel" that the parents are just as excited about going to church as they would be in going to a party. I definitely agree with that. People are always watching Christians, looking for them to be negative or do wrong. A joyful spirit can bring many more willing people in the church. Willing people usually stay and get caught in the spiritual process. Unwilling people or those who have been soured by bad circumstances often don't stay long and don't contribute to the calling of Christ. Another point that was made throughout the book was Jesus' struggles as a human. He had to experience many things that we all go through, and say "no" to sin, as well. And, it was not easy for him. And, knowing that Jesus was so willing to do that for us should be motivation to be loyal and enthusiastic about our faith. Lots of good Scripture was quoted in this book, as well.

[Sean Harding · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read this previously, but I saw it in a thrift shop for $1 and at the time wasn't sure if it was one that I had read before, and figured. it wouldn't hurt. to read again.
It is signature Lucado with pithy stories, then relating it to scriptural concepts.
Sometimes Lucado is a bit towards the shallower end of the pool, but it is still decent writing which motivates you to live like Christ.
So it still has great value, but it is more devotional and reminding the self of the truth rather than exploring or mining the depths of truth, and both of these things have value for the ordinary geezer.

[Marquis Walker]

This book is a blessing to me. The Max Lucado really took the time to really paint a picture of what it would be like to be like Jesus. The book challenged me on so many different levels. The There are so good lesson through out the whole book, but the one that stuck to me like glue is when Max asked me, "What if you had a normal day, but with the heart of Jesus. Would their be something about you different that people notice?" He went deep in to detail. I really enjoyed it.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to audio book. I'm always inspired by Max Lucado.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book, I need to read it again and do the Bible study along side it. This was my first Max Lucado book.

[Ruci Tukana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord, May I be like You!

[Harlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent !!!

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Where did we get the idea we can't change? ... If our bodies malfunction, we seek help. Shouldn't we do the same with our hearts? (p4-5)

Behold the gift Jesus gives his followers! He knows what these men are about to do ... By morning they will bury their heads in shame and look down at their feet in disgust. And when they do, he wants them to remember how his knees knelt before them and washed their feet. (p19)

Relationships don't thrive because the guilty are punished but because the innocent are merciful. (p22)

If your fear of doing the wrong thing prevents you from doing anything, keep in mind the perspective of the lepers of the world. They aren't picky. They aren't finicky. They're just lonely. They are yearning for a godly touch. (p37)

Your heartfelt worship is a missionary appeal. Let unbelievers hear the passion of your voice or see the sincerity in your face, and they may be changed. Peter was. (Matt 17:4) (p84)

Parents, what are your children learning from your worship? Do they see the same excitement as when you go to a basketball game? Do they see you prepare for worship as you do for a vacation? Do they see you hungry to arrive, seeking the face of the Father? Or do they see you content to leave the way you came? (p85)

By answering four simple questions, we can be more like Jesus; we can stay on course with our lives. (p94)
Am I fitting into God's plan? If God's goal is the salvation of the world, then my goal should be the same. (p94)
What are my longings? (p95)
What are my abilities? (p96)
Am I serving God now? (p97)

The Holy Spirit is ready to help you manage and filter the thoughts that try to enter. He can help you guard your heart ... You "fight to capture every thought until it acknowledges the authority of Christ" ... you stand equipped with handcuffs and leg irons, ready to capture any thought not fit to enter. (p121)

You are led by the Spirit. So rather than let the thought in, you take it captive. You handcuff it and march it down the street to the courthouse where you present the thought before the judgement seat of Christ...see what you are doing? You are submitting the thought to the authority of Jesus. If Jesus agrees with the thought, then let it in. If not, kick it out. (p122)

God never promises to remove us from our struggles. He does promise, however, to change how we look at them. (Romans 8: 35-37) (p138)

And so my challenge to you is simple. Ask God to help you have his eternal view of the world. (p149)

The ratio between those who missed him and those who sought him is thousands to one. But the ratio between those who sought him and those who found him was one to one. (p168)

Diligently - what a great word. Be diligent in your search. Be hungry in your quest, relentless in your pilgrimage. Let this book be but one of dozens you read about Jesus and this hour be but one of hundreds in which you seek him. Step away from the puny pursuits of possessions and positions, and seek your king. Don't be satisfied with angels. Don't be content with stars in the sky. Seek him out as the shepherds did. Long for him as Simeon did. Worship him as the wise men did. Do as John and Andrew did: ask for address. Do as Matthew: invite Jesus into your house. Imitate Zacchaeus. Risk whatever it takes to see Christ. (p172)

[Robert Ssempande · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book Max teaches us how to develop a heart like Jesus’.

He takes us through different aspects of Jesus’ heart (in order to show us who we are) and how He displayed them in various instances in the Bible. He calls us to yield to our heavenly Father (through personal communion with Him) to transform us into the same likeness as Jesus.

This book is as potent as all books about Jesus and His gracious loving nature are, but its peak moments are when Max manages to whet our appetite for God, for intimacy with Him, because of the picture He paints of His love for us. It’s in those moments, I believe, that Max achieves the lofty ideals for which he wrote this book.

And I wish it had been that way all throughout, but it falls short in some instances—although, you do understand where Max is trying to take us: to that place of desiring intimacy with God, because of having seen and known Him for who He truly is.

It is a great book, nonetheless, that makes you reflect on Jesus’ heart (His immense and deep love for you) and how you can cultivate and express that same love toward others in your heart.

“God loves you just the way you are,” the book’s tagline says, “but he refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be [to have a heart] just like Jesus.”

[Kory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lucado is such a comfort read, and in a good way. He is sincere, loving, and encouraging. There is an adoration of Jesus that always glows in anything that he writes, and I appreciate the positivity of that influence.

Just Like Jesus gives a restful look at the Savior, not steeped in analysis. As you read, you simply enjoy who Jesus is in Scripture, soaking up his presence, reminded of his love and his exemplary life.

Twenty years later, this book does feel dated but not made brittle with age. I think that is a testament to the authenticity with which Lucado writes. He wants to honor God with his words, and I would expect with his life as well. It comes across, and makes his influence as an author meaningful.

[Stasia Bruhn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Lucado is a great author. I really cant stand pompous, religious writers . Lucado isn’t like that he writes like a friend, He isn’t perfect yet he strives to b. He sees things from another point of view , tries to explain things in a simpler way. He was just a delight to read and if you don’t feel Amazed by Jesus’s love at the end of the book . Well then you didnt comprehend it fully. Read it again would b my advice. Of course there will b those who read this who are not Christians and who will hate it. That’s okay those who he is trying to reach understand his words. It was a marvelous book and perfect for christians!!! I will b reading more insights from him and I Thank him for writing this book. It’s a great book for bible study and for personal study.

[June Proudfoot · Rating 4 out of 5]

GRIPPING

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and love the way Max Lucado writes confirming what he says by scripture. The only down side were the questions at the back. I feel there were far too many. I started answering them but soon became tired as I logged through each one. I can understand why they were written but wonder if there will be many who will give up as I have. I would have preferred more reading than the home work that followed. I would definitely recommend the book as his illustrations made it clear to understand and something for us all to think on and consider.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great motivational read - well researched, and without a doubt illustrates this point over and over again. God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus.

I read this book as part of morning devotions, and I found it helped prepare me for the day ahead. It also has a great study guide at the back which I would recommend reading along with each chapter. Read the chapter and then go to the study guide and read and contemplate the questions just as you would do if in a study group. Of course, the book works well and is intended for a study group too.

[Katie McCracken · Rating 5 out of 5]

God loves you just the way you are, but he refuses to leave you there. He wants you to be just like Jesus.Can you think of a better offer?Jesus felt no guiBut how does this change occur? And why does the change seem so slow? If God wants me to be just like Jesus, why do I still seem just like me?InJust Like Jesus, Max Lucado helps you answer these questions. He helps you understand God's wonderful ways of transformation. Would you like to know more? Then read on. And remember:God loves you just way you are, but he refuses to leave you there. He wants you to be just like Jesus.