Wednesday, 12th October, 2022
Bible Reading: Acts 13:47, Matthew 5: 15-16
Memory Verse: He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15 (NIV)
The film”The Passion of the Christ” is America’s highest-grossing R-rated film of all time with $370.8 million! Worldwide, it grossed $611 million. More importantly, it has reached many souls across the world. Mel Gibson, the movie Director, paid $30 million out of his own pocket for the production because no studio would take over the project. Mel Gibson warned Jim Cavieziel that the character of JESUS would be very difficult and that if he accepted, he could be marginalized in Hollywood. Jim asked for a day to think about it and his response was, “I think we have to do this, even if it’s difficult.
And another thing, my initials are J.C. and I’m 33 years old. I hadn’t noticed until now.” Mel responded with a sincere, “You’re scaring me.” During filming, Jim Caviezel (playing Jesus) lost 20 pounds, was struck by lightning, accidentally whipped twice, leaving a 14-inch scar, dislocated his shoulder, and suffered from pneumonia and hypothermia from hanging nearly naked from a cross for several hours outside. His body was so stressed and exhausted from playing the role that he had to undergo 2 open heart surgeries after production. The crucifixion scene alone took 5 weeks out of 2 months of shooting. “I don’t want people to see me. I just want them to see Jesus. Through this, conversions will occur”, Jim declared.
Almost like an advertisement, many strange things happened, Pedro Sarubbi, who played Barabbas, when playing this role felt that it was not Caviezel who was looking at him, but Jesus Christ himself. “His eyes held no hatred or resentment for me, only mercy and love. Luca Lionello, the artist who played Judas, was an outspoken atheist before the filming began. When he was finished, he was converted, confessed, and baptized his children. One of the technical chiefs who was a Muslim also converted to Christianity. Some producers claimed to have seen people dressed in white giving advice, which at the end of the recordings did not appear again.
Comment: Imagine a film converting its cast and technical crew. Our God is indeed amazing. Obviously, God’s breath was upon the project. We must all wait upon the Lord for innovative ways of winning more souls to His kingdom. Perhaps the film, “The Passion of the Christ” has won more souls than regular preaching could have done. Friend, what are you doing to win more souls to the kingdom and establish the Saints?
Quote: When God is involved, all is resolved.
Prophetic Decree: May the Lord announce his name through you, in Jesus name.
Prayer Focus
1. Thank you Father for the inspiration of a film to win souls into your kingdom.
2. We break the grip of the power of hell over the souls of men, in Jesus name.
3. Holy Spirit, move upon the surface of the earth and draw men unto the Cross, in Jesus name.
4. My name shall not be missing from the hall of kingdom heralders in heaven, in Jesus name.
5. Holy Spirit, break the heart of men. Turn all stony hearts to fertile grounds, in Jesus name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Matthew 11