Some of the most powerful stories from the Bible will come alive for today’s readers through these

inspiring selections from the writings of Max Lucado. Max provides a compelling look at the most

high-impact moments in the biblical narrative, drawn from his previous 20+ years of writing.

At the end of each chapter will be study guide questions so the reader can go deeper into this

scripture.

Extraordinary stories are told about the following characters:

Mary, Peter, Matthew, Joseph, Nicodemus, Woman at the Well, David, Esther, Job, The Samaritan Woman, John, Rich Young Man. 

I really loved this book! I love the authors writing style. I have a few of his other books, and really enjoy reading them. When I read the Bible, I often wonder about the peoples lives, what they did, and how they lived. Guess I’m just curious like that. I guess that’s why I love biographies so much. This book gives us a glimpse into what their lives were like.


How might Mephibosheth felt when he was the only one of his family left alive. What did he think when King David sent for him? What did Lazarus think & feel when he heard Jesus calling his name?


Those are just two examples of the stories in this book. In Cast of Characters, Max Lucado uses both Old and New Testament examples of what God can do in common people lives.




“Like a pesky sibling, your past follows you wherever you go. Isn’t there anyone who sees you for who you are and not what you did? Yes. There is One who does. Your King. When God speaks of you, he doesn’t mention your plight, pain or problem; he lets you share his glory. He calls you his child.”




Don’t we all have things in our past we would rather forget? Who wants to be reminded of what we did wrong? I just love this quote from the Mephibosheth chapter. God doesn’t remember all the things that we did or the times that we failed Him. He sees what we can be, if we just turn our lives over to Him.


Sometimes, it seems that my problems are so big, so complicated that they will never be resolved. I found the David chapter very encouraging.




“Is your list of blessings four times as long as your list of complaints? Is your mental file of hope four times as thick as your mental file of dread? Are you four times as likely to describe the strength of God as you are the demands of your day? No? Then David is your man……A rough -edged walking wonder of God who neon-lights this truth:


Focus on giants – you stumble.
Focus on God – your giants tumble.


Lift your eyes, giant-slayer. The God who made a miracle out of David stands ready to make one out of you.”




I love how the author puts you there with your Bible heros, comparing their lives to ours. Bringing us to where God wants us to be.




“Mark it down. God does not save us because of what we’ve done. Only a puny god could be bought with tithes. Only an egotistical god would be impressed with our pain. Only a temperamental god could be satisfied by sacrifices. Only a heartless god would sell salvation to the highest bidders.   And only a great God does for his children what they can’t do for themselves. That is the message of Paul: “For what the law was powerless to do….God did” Romans 8:3 NIV




Oh, how thankful I am that my God is not judging me on what I do, how much money I have, how much I hurt or sacrifice. He loves me just because. And He loves you, too! Just as you are.




God used (and uses!) people to change the world. People! Not saints or superhumans or geniuses, but people. Crooks, creeps, lovers, and liars – he uses them all. And what they may lack in perfection, God makes up for in love.”




God can use little, old me, just as I am to help others in His name. To bring others to Him. To glorify His name.  No need to be perfect first. This is an impossibility anyway. Just come to Him with a willing heart. He’s there waiting…..




I highly recommend The Cast of Characters Common People in the Hands of an Uncommon God by Max Lucado.
This book is full of inspiring stories of some of the authors favorite Biblical characters – all of whom were very human and imperfect…….just like us.