Jesus Film/Video
From SPARK
One-sentence summary
Two hour evangelistic film/video about Jesus from Luke.
Description
JESUS is paraphrased Scripture with the main purpose of evangelism. The two-hour film is one continuous story. It has been edited and shortened from the Luke film/video. The first hour tells of the birth and earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. The second hour is about the events leading to His crucifixion, the crucifixion, and the resurrection.
An actor performs as Jesus Christ in this film. He is not Jesus Christ but represents Him. Viewers will watch as he walks the roads of Palestine as Jesus Christ did. They will see him heal the sick, cast out demons, feed the 5000, and calm the storm just as Jesus Christ did. The viewer can hear him teach Jesus Christ’s’ disciples, and the crowds that followed Him just as Jesus Christ did.
JESUS is evangelistic and ends with an invitation to receive Christ as Savior. The invitation can be culturally adapted with permission. JESUS is usually viewed in one sitting. This gives viewers a picture of Jesus’ entire earthly ministry.
Filmed in Israel, the JESUS film/video can also be used to teach historical information of life in Bible times.
Considerations
To make the script fit the two-hour video, Scripture in the Gospel of Luke had to be paraphrased and edited. Many of Jesus’ teachings are condensed.
Several people from the language community should view and evaluate the video to identify any scenes or cultural issues that might distract from the message. Has this people group been exposed to movies or video? How will they understand a film/video? Will the background music and special effects miscommunicate cross-culturally or distract from the message? Will they understand it as a representation of reality or only as make-believe? How will they accept information that isn’t expressly described in Scripture?
The Media Observation Form and the Video Review Form are helpful in further evaluating the potential use of video in the culture.
Prior scriptural knowledge would be advantageous to understand the message of the video
Limitations
Guidelines for Use
Minority languages with VMS
VMS has permission to dub JESUS into minority languages. There are two script options: single-voice or multi-voice. VMS uses a narrated, scene-synced style. Some people think the VMS scene-synced version is easier and less expensive to produce. The scene-sync version is especially helpful with languages that are longer than the English narration. The scene-sync version usually requires editing of the script so that the target language words match the video scenes.
Larger languages with The Jesus Film
The Jesus Film Project uses lip sync. The lip-synced version usually requires editing of the script so that syllables of the target language match the mouth movements of the actors.
Other Related Resources
- The LUKE film/video: This is the original 4-hour production that JESUS was adopted from. It is narrated, following the complete book of Luke in 15 episodes each 15-18 minutes in length. LUKE may also be dubbed into other languages.
- A Window to the World: 12 lessons of TESOL material to be used follow a viewing of JESUS in the student’s own language, then viewing selected segments of the JESUS video in English. E-mail: JesusfilmStore@JESUSfilm.org
- The Story of Jesus for Children: A delightful 62-minute video/DVD with footage from the JESUS video. E-mail: JesusfilmStore@JESUSfilm.org
- The Story of Jesus CD: A 90 minute audio-drama transports the listener back to the time Jesus lived. The details of His birth, ministry, death and resurrection are enhanced with sound effects and a new musical score recorded in surround sound. It closes with the opportunity to trust Christ.
E-mail: JesusfilmStore@JESUSfilm.org
- “JESUS: Fact or Fiction?” DVD: This DVD is evangelistic. Watch the classic “JESUS” film with a fascinating new audio commentary and a look at the making of this film. A unique “Discovery Glass” feature let viewers gain insight as experts respond to over 50 of life’s questions.
E-mail: JesusfilmStore@JESUSfilm.org
- “The Ultimate Goal” Special Soccer Edition of the “JESUS” Video: This 16-minute video features nine world class players. It is an introduction to the “JESUS” film. Total video time is 106 minutes. Suggested uses: Big Screen Presentations, Sports Camps, Neighborhood gift distribution, Soccer Teams. E-mail: JesusfilmStore@JESUSfilm.org
Where to Obtain
Link to Producer or Source Organization
There are two ways to obtain JESUS in a language. To obtain a copy, look at the Jesus Film link below to see if it has already been produced in your language. If it's not already in your language, it's possible to have it produced. Local productions may be costly, but they can be a very effective tool in your language. (See the Jesus Film link below for a list of available languages.) If it's not available in your language, you may have it locally produced. Producing JESUS in a local language is a lengthy process that involves translating the script, choosing people to play the parts, and working with professional technicians.
