Wednesday's thoughts on Sunday's

In looking at the three movies about Jesus' last days I have begun to explore the actors who played Jesus and what it meant to them to play him. 1. In the "Passion of the Christ" James Patrick Caviezel was selected by Mel Gibson to play Jesus. James experienced the pain of the crucifixion when lightening hit the cross and he dislocated his shoulder. He was described by the woman who played Mary, his mother, as a young man any mother would be proud to have as a son. James had wanted to play "Superman" in honor of Christopher Reeve but he was not selected for that part. 2. In the movie "The Last Temptation of Christ" William Defoe was selected to play the part of Jesus. William has a brother who is a heart transplant surgeon. He also played the role of "Spiderman" and has been the voice in a yogurt commercial. The motto for his life is, "I have nothing. I fear nothing. I am free." 3. In the movie "Jesus of Nazareth" John Powell played the part of Jesus. Originally the producer was going to ask Al Pacino to play Jesus but he thought John Powell looked the part and was selected. John's live in girl friend at the time was Barbara Lord. There is a story going around that the film people demanded that they marry because of the potential scandal that might ensue. John was asked what he thought about being placed in the role of Jesus. He said it was the most difficult part he ever had. He said it required that he be on at every point and that he could never measure up to the character he was playing. He said if you come to the movie set irritable you have to change your attitude because you are playing Jesus and Jesus was never in a bad mood. It is interesting to note the impact on these actors who played the role of Jesus. Each of the movies portrayed something very different and that will constitute the substance of the sermon. What do you think it would be like to play the part of Jesus? If you have an opportunity to play Jesus how would you play him? If you have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts with the readers of the blog click on the 'comments' box below. I look forward to hearing from you. Charles Schuster