By Carlos Fernandes, from OnGrace

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With its worldwide theatrical release approaching, the film ‘The Resurrection of the Christ’ has already inspired a prayer campaign aimed at touching hearts and bringing more souls to Jesus. Following the tremendous success of ‘The Passion of the Christ’, released in 2004, filmmaker Mel Gibson, who identifies as a practicing Christian, shared a video calling on Christian communities to intercede in prayer. “Please prepare your churches to pray for us as we get ready to release the film in theaters next May,” the filmmaker said.

The request was addressed to members of the U.S.-based National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), but extends to the entire Christian community. After all, the bodily resurrection of the Son of God is the central foundation of the Christian faith, as it was through His resurrection that the work of salvation was completed. Gibson addressed the NHCLC in recognition of a visit by the organization’s president, Samuel Rodriguez, to the film’s set in Italy near the end of production.

“Thank you for all your prayers and for your support in leading your churches to the resurrection of Christ. God bless you,” the director added. In his message, the pastor spoke about the film’s spiritual impact: “There are movies you watch, and there are movies you experience. This, right here, is the exclamation point of Christianity.” For Rodriguez, the production is more than a movie; it tells the story of the greatest event in human history.

Unlike the original film, the sequel, which will also have a second installment with no release date announced, will not feature American actor Jim Caviezel, now 58, in the lead role. Gibson and the producers chose a younger actor, 37-year-old Finnish performer Jaakko Ohtonen, to portray the resurrected Jesus. This continuation of the story will explore biblical events following the crucifixion, including Jesus’ descent into hell, His resurrection and His final encounters with the disciples. ‘The Resurrection of the Christ’ will also examine the political power struggles of first-century Rome and the impact of the announcement that Jesus had risen from the dead.