The Max Lucado Collection was established in 2015 when Lucado designated his alma mater’s Brown Library as the repository for materials documenting his career as a missionary, evangelist and writer. Lucado (BA, ’77 and MA ’82) was the university’s Outstanding Alumnus of the Year in 2003.

“It was at ACU that I was found by Christ. I don’t think I found him, I think he found me and literally re-routed my life and my family’s for generations,” Lucado said. “I pray these papers can show some of that story to someone who needs a discovery of grace.”

Tell Me the Easter Story
During the Easter season, Christians all over the world commemorate the death of Jesus and celebrate his resurrection. Max Lucado’s books depict Christ’s cross as a message of God’s love, and Christ’s empty tomb as evidence of God’s power to renew life and hope.

No Wonder They Call Him Savior (Multnomah Press, 1986)
“Never were those arms opened so wide as they were on the Roman cross. One arm extending back into history and the other reaching into the future. An embrace of forgiveness offered for anyone who’ll come.” Includes study guides for each chapter with additional biblical readings and questions.

Six Hours One Friday: Anchoring to the Cross (Multnomah Press, 1989)
“Those six hours were no normal six hours. They were the most critical hours in history. For during those six hours on that Friday, God embedded in the earth three anchor points sturdy enough to withstand any hurricane: My life is not futile. My failures are not fatal. My death is not final.” Includes study guides for each chapter with additional biblical readings and questions.

Tell Me the Story (Crossway Books, 1992. Illustrations by Ron DiCianni. Calligraphy by Timothy R. Botts)
A series of faith stories for parents to read to their children. One story, “Resurrection Morning,” depicts a conversation between a Roman guard and the disciples of Jesus.

Resurrection (VHS; Impact Productions, 1998)
The film depicts the effort of Claudius, a Roman guard at Jesus’ execution and tomb, to find out why authorities are covering up what happened. Based on the story “Resurrection Morning” in Tell Me the Story.

Who is this Jesus (Worthy Publishing, 2013. Illustrated by C. Michael Dudash.)
Claudius, a Roman guard, meets the disciples of Jesus on the day of the Resurrection. “The Bible doesn’t tell the story of any of these soldiers, how they recovered from the shock of their lives, and what they might have wondered in the hours and days that followed…And yet, if the story could have been told…it might have gone something like this.” Based on the story “Resurrection Morning” in Tell Me the Story.

This is Love (Thomas Nelson, 2009)
This illustrated gift book collection of short devotional readings by Max Lucado was compiled by Terri Gibbs from His Name is Jesus (2009). The book has three sections: His Death, His Resurrection, His Legacy.

On Calvary’s Hill: 40 Readings for the Easter Season (Thomas Nelson, 2013)
This little volume arranges short excerpts from ten earlier Lucado books into a devotional series for the Easter season. Each reading ends with a short prayer.

And the Angels Were Silent: The Final Week of Jesus (Multnomah Press, 1992)
Twenty-six meditations on the events of the final week of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. Includes study guides for each chapter with additional biblical readings and questions, written by Steve Halliday.

When Christ Comes: The Beginning of the Very Best (Word Publishing, 1999)
“Would you like to discuss the end of time and feel better because of it? Could you use some comforting words regarding the return of Christ? If so, I think I’ve found some.” Includes study guides for each chapter with additional biblical readings and questions, written by Steve Halliday.

Waiting for Christ’s Return: Studies on Hope (Life Lessons series, W. Publishing Group, 2000)
Twelve workbook-style lessons incorporate scripture readings and excerpts from When Christ Comes (1999) with space for written answers and journaling. Study questions are written by Christopher Hudson, Carol Smith, and Valerie Weidemann.

He Chose the Nails: What God Did to Win Your Heart (Word Publishing, 2000).
Fifteen chapter-length meditations on how the gifts of the cross reveal God’s promises. Includes study guides for each chapter with additional biblical readings and questions, written by Steve Halliday.

The Cross (He Chose the Nails) (Japanese; Tokyo, 2003)

He Chose the Nails (Chinese; Hong Kong, 2004)
Translated by Margaret Yuen-yee Wong.

He Did This Just for You (Word Publishing, 2000)
Evangelistic pamphlet based on He Chose the Nails.

Ein Geschenk für dich (Hänssler Verlag, 2001)
German edition of He Did This Just for You.

Ia Melakukannya Khusus Untuk Anda (Gospel Press, 2002)
Indonesian edition of He Did This Just for You.

Il l’a Fait Aussi Pour Vous (La Maison de la Bible, 2001)
French edition of He Did This Just for You.

He Chose You (Thomas Nelson, 2001)
This youth edition of He Chose the Nails (2000) includes story adaptations by Monica Hall.

The Easter Story for Children (Zondervan, 2013; illustrated by Fausto Bianchi)
This picture book of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection was written by Max Lucado, Randy Frazee, and Karen Davis Hill.

Wood and Iron Cross
Gift to Max Lucado; made by Tony Baines.

Photomontage from He Chose the Nails Easter Musical (Oak Hills Church, 2000)
This musical presentation at Oak Hills Church was broadcast live on CBN on Good Friday, April 13, 2000. Also released on CD later that year, the presentation was named by the Dove Awards for Christian music as the Musical of the Year in 2002. Max Lucado narrated the service, which included musical performances by Kim Hill, Natalie Grant, Wes King, Twila Paris, Jeff Deyo, and the Oak Hills Church Choir.

For more from the Max Lucado Papers please visit our other digital exhibits:

•  “From West Texas to the World: An exhibit from the Max Lucado Papers.”
• “Selections from the Max Lucado Papers”
• “You Are Special: An exhibit from the Max Lucado Papers”
• “Communicator of the Word: An exhibit from the Max Lucado Papers”

This exhibition was curated by Carisse Berryhill and was on display in the ACU Library Learning Commons from February 2020-present. Graphics were designed by Chai Green. This digital exhibit was prepared by Amanda Dietz, February 21, 2020.