Review:

3:16 The Numbers of Hope

I’m stunned. In John 3:16, with 26 words (English version), the apostle summarised God’s great good news, Max Lucado takes 140
pages. He does it well with short, punchy sentences, heart-warmingly examining each phrase of ‘the hope diamond of the Bible’ in 12 compact chapters ranging from an expansion of Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, to God, heaven and hell. Although not a theological treatise, this is a thought-provoking book without being intellectually demanding. It is a preacher’s harvest field of mind imprinting phrases, useable illustrations and valuable explanations of Greek words and their contextual significance. The final third comprises segments from other Lucado books organised as a 40-day devotional which for me disappointed because the impetus and energy evaporates. Overall, although familiar with the verse, I found fresh insights that challenged and encouraged my faith.

High: The superb evangelistic quality of much of the material.

Low: The 40-day devotional – I quickly lost interest.

Reviewed by Doug Barnett, who is involved in a preaching and training ministry in the UK and abroad.

Published by: Thomas Nelson
Price: £7.99
ISBN: 9780849901935