Book Review - His Name is Jesus by Max Lucado

(Disclaimer: I was compensated for my honest opinon of this book by receiving the free copy of His Name is Jesus from Thomas Nelson Books. If you want to get free books or DVDs to review, go check them out. They do strongly want honest reviews.)

His Name is Jesus is a beautiful volume chronicling the life of Christ. Lucado’s goal is that anyone who reads this book will gain a deeper understanding and a greater desire to follow our Savior. Lucado discusses Christ’s role in the creation, in His mortal ministry, and in His sacrifice for all mankind.

On first receiving this book from Thomas Nelson, I could only think about how PRETTY it is. There is beautiful photography on every page, from endsheet on. It comes packaged in its own hard book jacket. The thought behind the presentation is really amazing.

I do believe that Lucado does an excellent job of reaching his goal to help people understand Christ and His life’s mission. He does a wonderful job of helping to explain some of the customs of the time (since, face it, life in Biblical-era Israel is far different than most of our lives now). I especially loved the thought that went into his retelling of the woman caught in adultery … or how Pontius Pilate must have felt when faced with this man from Gallilee, whom the crowd so hated. He refers to many Biblical verses from multiple modern translations of the text to support and to enrich his text.

I would recommend this book. It presented in a beautiful and simply-worded way. Many books about Jesus can come off as, well, schmaltzy. Lucado has managed to craft a volume that can speak to people without being off-putting at all. It rather reminds me a bit of C.S. Lewis’ writings or of Madeline L’Engle’s Bright Evening Star. As I mentioned, it’s very aesthetically appealing and would be gorgeous on a coffee table, if you’re that type. (I know it sounds trite, but it is a really GORGEOUS book … which is only fitting, considering its contents). It would also be a lovely gift for a friend or family member. Or for yourself, even.