The Message Behind Jesus Films

By Erick Schenkel, CP Contributor Friday, March 25, 2016

Members of the Italian community take part in a re-enactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday in Bensheim, southwest of Frankfurt, April 3, 2015. Thousands of spectators watched the yearly Passion Play performed by about 100 laity actors. Holy Week iscelebrated in many Christian traditions during the week before Easter. | (Photo: Reuters/Kai Pfaffenbach)

When Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" debuted in 2004, many thought the tremendous response of moviegoers was a fluke. After all, 21st century Americans are far too sophisticated for this type of religious sustenance — or so the argument went.

Next came the success of "The Chronicles of Narnia," with three films collectively taking in more than $1.6 billion. Well, these could be explained away because the content was allegorical and really aimed at children.

But then came "Heaven Is for Real," "God's Not Dead," "Son of God," "War Room" and the blockbuster TV miniseries "The Bible." Just last week, the faith-themed movie "Miracles from Heaven" hit theaters and "The Passion" filled TV screens across the nation.

As the evidence mounted, it became impossible to dismiss the draw of faith-themed films and programming.

But what might come as a surprise is that the most viewed faith-themed film in history is one with which you may not be familiar.

The "JESUS" film, which first debuted in 1979, has been seen by several billions of people. The film has been presented in more than 1,400 languages. And, before you ask, its cast is entirely superstar-free. In fact, you likely have never heard of anyone in the cast.

Now not every faith-themed film is a box-office blockbuster. Not every film is well-written, well-acted or well-directed. But the very existence of these films is further evidence of the power of the genre itself.

So why are the "JESUS" film and so many other faith-themed films so successful? The explanation can be summed up in two words: the message.

The Bible is the story of God's passionate pursuit of humankind. It is an account of a glorious love story interrupted by human failure and finally redeemed by the ultimate act of sacrifice. It is an ageless story for all ages, and its appeal is universal.

For Christians, the message of the Bible is encapsulated in a single week, Holy Week: Jesus sharing the Last Supper; the celebration of God's faithfulness to his people through the Passover; and the foreshadowing of the ultimate Passover sacrifice. The capture and trial of Jesus, when those who, having pledged undying allegiance just hours before, denied him and those who, having welcomed Him into the city as a king just days before, cried "Crucify him."

The crucifixion, when the Son of God Himself was mocked, spit upon, tortured and murdered — all while he held the power to leap from the cross but chose to endure it for our sake. The shame, guilt and uncertainty felt by the disciples on Saturday. And the glorious empty tomb of Easter, deserted by a risen Lord who had no need of it.

There has never been a story more powerful than that of Easter. Is it any wonder that writers, directors and producers have been inspired to share the message through the medium of film?

With Easter just days away, many Christians will turn to film and television to help better understand the events of Holy Week. And through film the greatest story ever told will once again touch hearts and transform lives.

Faith-themed films are no fluke. They are here to stay because they speak to the need within each person, and the only real answer to that need. It is an answer Christians celebrate on Easter: Jesus.

Erick Schenkel is the director of Jesus Film Project®, a ministry of Cru®.