Cast of Characters

Max Lucado is a masterful Bible study author. Each chapter includes a scripture passage, an explanation of a Biblical principle we learn from that person’s life, and a series of questions for reflection and discussion. If you are seeking a text for a Bible study, this is perfect: someone can jump into any chapter and still participate fully. Lucado does a masterful job demonstrating that the same God who transformed people’s lives hundreds of years ago is still seeking the opportunity to change our lives today.

One of the finest qualities of this book is Lucado’s treatment of Biblical characters. Some people are tempted to represent these characters as perfect people, but they were people just like us, with a mixture of wonderful qualities and flaws. Despite their imperfections, God used them to accomplish great things for His Kingdom, just as He plans to use believers today. For example, Moses spent years hiding in the desert after murdering someone until God called him to lead His people into the Promised Land. Peter turned his back on Jesus when he was being led to His death, yet he was used to spread the gospel to many nations. Lastly, Paul was a vociferous enemy of Christianity who became an evangelist after a close encounter with God on a road in Damascus.

Contents:
Joseph - Joseph's Prayer; Matthew - Friends of Flops; Woman Who Washed Jesus' Feet - The 7:47 Principle; Mephibosheth - The Privilege of Paupers; Samaritan Woman - Two Tombstones; Mary, Martha, and Lazarus - Your Place in God's Band; Abigail - Barbaric Behavior; Paralyzed Man - Bright Lights on Dark Nights; John - I Can Turn Your Tradegy into Triumph; Paul - Hidden Heroes; Two Criminals - I Will Let You Choose; Moses - The Voice from the Mop Bucket; Joseph - When Crickets Make You Cranky; David - Facing Your Giants; Esther - Touching the King's Heart; Job - Where Man Covers His Mouth; Nicodemus - The Most Famous Conversion in the Bible; Jairus - The Sparkle from Eternity; Rich Young Ruler - The Affluent Poor; Sarah, Peter, and Paul - The Kingdom of the Absurd; Lazarus - The Final Witness; Peter - The Gospel of the Second Chance; Conclusion - Cast of Characters; Notes; Sources