Audiences are drawn to compelling stories about real people. Reality shows? Producer Mark Burnett’s name is attached to TV programs like Survivor, The Voice, and Shark Tank. Now he’s telling the greatest story ever told, the story of the person who changed his own life and that of his wife, Roma Downey. The creative couple behind the mini-series The Bible, now this married pair shares a reality story like none other.
This real story could actually change the hearts and lives of the people who watch it.
On February 28th Jesus, Son of God opened in theaters. A compilation and extension of The Bible series, this movie tells the story of Jesus and answers the question Jesus once asked his disciples, “Who do you say I am?”
Moms want to know if this is a movie for their children to see. The MOM Initiative team has a friendship with Compassion International, an organization privileged to help share this movie. After all, the story of Jesus can be a tool to change lives. Compassion gifted various ones of their bloggers with complementary tickets, and I was blessed to be among those to share in opening day. We took a group of cross-cultural missionaries as our guests, including one middle school boy.
As always, I watched from the vantage point of a mom. I was thinking about YOU and how you would want to know if this is a movie for you to share with your families. First of all, let me say there are Biblical inaccuracies in this movie. No one should watch a retelling of God’s story without being alert and discerning, comparing it to God’s Word. It opens up opportunities for discussion, so don’t let the “need to think” keep you away. Let me share 10 insights to help you know if Jesus, Son of God is for your family or your children.
Key Info for Moms about Son of God
- The story is all about Jesus and who he is. We found it presented well culturally.
- Be prepared to discuss Biblical accuracy & creative license.
- This is a true story, so use it as a launching pad to open your Bibles with others.
- Because the events are true, there is graphic suffering, most notably at the beginning and end.
- “How does it compare to The Passion?” people ask. It’s not that graphic, but it’s still vivid.
- The scourging, walk to Calvary, and crucifixion are realistic. It’s not easy to watch. We know the story is about Jesus taking our place and experiencing our pain.
- Is it emotional? Yes. The woman behind me wept openly. You can’t watch and not respond. When the movie was over, the theater (all adults, except our 1 pre-teen) was silent.
- What’s the appropriate age range? You know your child best, mama. Keep in mind that it is visually and audibly vivid.
- Personally, I would not take a child under high school age, unless the child was a mature middle schooler with a parent ready to take time & energy to follow up with discussion. (Like our 1 exception)
- The story of Jesus still has the power to change lives.
About the film, Rick Warren said, “I’ve probably seen most, if not all, of the films about Jesus produced in the past 50 years. This one stands alone, in a class by itself, as the best I’ve ever seen. Brilliantly produced with stunning cinematography, a Hans Zimmer score and academy-worthy acting, it stands head-and-should above the rest. Son of God draws you into the story from the start. Not since the release of “The Passion of the Christ” ten years ago have I been this excited about a movie … Son of God brings to the Big screen the Story of Jesus … it will be a blessing to millions when it opens in theaters all across America this Spring.”
Who do you say Jesus is? Jesus, Son of God might be a timely tool for you to remember who he is to you and what it means to follow him. For your older child, teen, college student, young adult, or adult friend or loved one, this may be the timely tool God will use to turn hearts back to the life-changing gift of Jesus, Son of God.
Photo courtesy Son of God Movie
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