Thursday, April 5, 2012

Review: Final Words From the Cross

Final Words From The Cross
by Adam Hamilton
Why did you choose this book? Our church did a lenten study with this book
When did you read this book? March 2012
Who should read this book? relatively new Christians, Sunday School groups
Here is a synopsis of ‘Final Words From The Cross' from Goodreads, where it rates 4.00 stars.
Source: ebook purchased from ChristianBook.com
In life and in death, Jesus’ words were powerful and meaningful. Despite the serious effort and increased pain required for Jesus to speak as he hung on the cross, Jesus spoke seven"final words"statements that have much to teach us about Jesus, his Father, and ourselves: 
Father Forgive Them Behold Your Son…Behold Your Mother My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me? Today You Will Be with Me in Paradise I Thirst It Is Finished Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit 
In 24 Hours That Changed the World, Adam Hamilton took us on a Lenten journey through the last day of Jesus' life. Now in this inspiring follow-up book, Hamilton explores these final words as seen and heard through the eyes and ears of those who stood near the cross. Each chapter begins with the biblical account followed by a first-person story as might have been told from the viewpoint of one of the characters at the cross. Then the chapter explores the meaning of Jesus' dying words for our lives today. Following the last statement, a postscript recounts the words Jesus spoke following his resurrection, including what truly were the final words Jesus spoke while walking this earth.
My Review 
I just finished a lenten Bible study based on this book. I’d like to tell you I got a lot out of this, but the truth is, I didn’t. The book discussed Jesus’ final words on the cross, with a chapter dedicated to each statement. 
As a stand alone book, this was a quick read, requiring only a few minutes each week. It didn’t take long to read, but there wasn’t a lot of new material here. There were no discussion questions in the book, so there was nothing to cause you to think, or to challenge you. The author gave the source of the statement and a little background, with several possible interpretations. 
As a study, the book is supplemented by a DVD with leaders guide. The group leader has study questions available to share at the group meeting. However, the DVD is 10 minutes of the authors sermons about these words, and for the most part, rehashes what was said in the book. I was left wondering why I bothered reading the book.
As much as I felt I got little from this study, it would be perhaps be appropriate for relatively new Christians, who may not be familiar with some of the stories of the crucifixion. It would also make a good ‘Sunday School’ study where there is limited time, and the group wants the option of adding new people each week. Since the DVD repeats most of what is in the book, new people could come in with no preparation and be able to  participate fully. However, for a more established group, I would look at other studies.
My Rating:  ★★   2 Stars
Counted for these challenges:
New Author Challenge
Ebook Challenge
Free Reads Challenge
Here is the trailer for the book.


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