Light of the World
Rated PG
In cinemas from September 4
Although tradition has it that John was the youngest of the Apostles, the Bible doesn’t tell us how old he – or any of the Twelve – were during Jesus’ ministry.
It’s certainly likely they were young men but Light of the World, an animated film created by American group Salvation Poem Project, takes the youth idea and runs with it to the extent that John looks about 12.
Does this matter? Not especially, if it helps show the truths of the gospel. And given that the organisation is seeking to appeal to entire families, it does make sense for the film to include a character that kids will identify with.
The story is essentially told through the young John’s eyes, and John trusts his friend Jesus from the outset, even without fully understanding who he is.
John’s father, Zebedee, speaks for those who think the Messiah is a myth, while his wife Salome is full of confidence in God’s promise of a future king. Meanwhile, their neighbour Andrew is constantly rushing off to investigate Messiah rumours, driving everyone crazy.
The world is waiting. But will they know the real Messiah when they see him?
I think it’s great that our first glimpse of Jesus is in his role as a carpenter, mending the display table of a fishmonger. Because while angels and a star heralded Jesus’ birth, his first 30 years were spent quietly – predominantly in the backwater town of Nazareth. No crowds, and no fanfare. Of course, the Holy Spirit descending on him at his baptism in the Jordan would have been a good clue for anyone paying attention!
Mary, Jesus’ mother, provides us with insight into God’s plan through her own experiences, telling John that “God rarely shows up in the way we think he will”.
There’s a whiff of old Disney about how Light of the World presents the gospel story. It’s clean, no double entendres, with quality animation and serious truths that are interspersed with jokes and cheery characterisations to keep viewers entertained, which is all good fun.
I did find the set-up scenes a bit contrived, although I’m willing to go with it. And yes, just about everyone has an American accent, but we’re all used to that.
Those at Salvation Poem Project want unbelievers to hear about Jesus and trust in him as Lord and Saviour – providing resources to help Christians share the good news in many languages across the globe – and this film is one tool in that armoury. There’s an “altar call” at the end of the story with John and Zebedee, utilising the organisation’s Salvation Poem, which was written in 2004 as a tool for people to accept Jesus if they are ready to do so.
Light of the World offers a very condensed presentation of Jesus’ ministry and miracles, along with his arrest, death, resurrection and ascension. Elements from each of the gospels are in the narrative, as well as a few things that no one familiar with their Bible will recognise.
For example, John talks to Jesus at length in the Garden of Gethsemane; Jesus stands on dry land in the Jordan after his baptism (God’s voice and the Holy Spirit as a dove aren’t enough?); and during his walk on water, the Sea of Galilee offers us a small-scale version of the parting of the Red Sea.
Later on, when the crowd is shouting at Pilate for Jesus to be crucified, John isn’t afraid – as we know the disciples were – but boldly tries to convince them all that Jesus is the Messiah!
I don’t have a problem with tweaks for the sake of a simpler or clearer narrative, but I do wonder if some people discovering the story of Jesus for the first time here (perhaps kids shown this film by parents or their church), will later read through the gospels and ask, ‘Where’s the bit where Jesus made water into dry land?’, or “The disciples didn’t all run away – remember when John stood up and proclaimed Jesus as Messiah?”
These things seem potentially unhelpful to me. However, Light of the World has a lot going for it, so as long as those wanting to use it to share the gospel are informed beforehand, it’s a choice they can make for themselves.
