THE TRUTH ABOUT ROBERT POWELL AND THE MOVIE “JESUS OF NAZARETH”
A Call to Christians to Discern Between Faith and Fiction
Introduction
Over the years, the 1977 film Jesus of Nazareth has influenced millions worldwide, shaping how many people visualize Jesus Christ. The British actor Robert Powell played the role of Jesus in this movie, and his performance was so compelling that some Christians, especially those unfamiliar with biblical teachings, mistakenly revere him as if he were the real Jesus Christ.
This misunderstanding has led to some people bowing down before images of Powell, using his movie portrayal as a representation of Jesus, and even assuming that his appearance is the true image of Christ. However, as Christians, it is crucial to separate fiction from reality and understand that movies are dramatized portrayals, not divine truth.
Who Is Robert Powell?
Robert Powell was born on June 1, 1944, in England. He is a British actor best known for his portrayal of Jesus in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1977 TV miniseries Jesus of Nazareth. Powell was not chosen because he was divine or special in a spiritual sense, but rather because of his acting skills, appearance, and ability to deliver the role convincingly.
Before Jesus of Nazareth, Powell had acted in several films and television shows, and he continued his acting career long after playing Jesus. In fact, he himself has publicly stated that he is merely an actor and that people should not mistake him for Jesus Christ.
Why Was the Movie Made?
The Jesus of Nazareth film was a project intended to depict the life of Christ based on the Gospels. It was directed by Franco Zeffirelli, an Italian filmmaker, and was not meant to replace the Bible but to bring the Gospel story to life visually. The film was first broadcast on March 27, 1977, and remains one of the most well-known portrayals of Jesus on screen.
Zeffirelli’s goal was to create a film that would make the story of Jesus more accessible, especially to those who might not read the Bible. However, despite its impact, it is still a movie, not scripture, and Robert Powell was simply an actor, not the Messiah.
The Danger of Bowing Down to an Actor
Some people, particularly those with little biblical knowledge, have mistaken Powell’s image for that of Jesus Christ. They print his pictures, bow before them, and even pray to them. This is a serious error and goes against biblical teachings.
The Bible strictly forbids worshiping or bowing down to any man. In Acts 10:25-26, when Cornelius fell at the feet of Peter to worship him, Peter immediately told him, “Stand up! I am only a man myself.”
Additionally, Revelation 22:8-9 records how the apostle John fell down to worship an angel, but the angel corrected him:
“Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brother’s the prophets. Worship God!”
If even Peter and an angel refused to accept worship, how much more should we avoid bowing down to a mere actor who played a role in a movie?
The Risks of Idolizing Images
The Bible warns against idol worship and false representations of God. Exodus 20:4-5 says:
“You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them.”
This commandment clearly states that God does not want us to worship images, statues, or even pictures that we assume represent Jesus.
Advantages of the Movie (Why It Is Not Entirely Wrong to Watch It)
While it is important to recognize the dangers of misinterpreting the film, there are also some advantages of the Jesus of Nazareth movie:
- Educational Value – The movie introduces many people to the story of Jesus, especially those who may never have read the Bible.
- Visual Understanding – Seeing biblical events dramatized can help some people understand the life and teachings of Jesus better.
- Evangelism Tool – Some churches have used the film as a way to spark interest in Christianity and encourage people to study the real Word of God.
- Brings Scripture to Life – It helps people visualize the time period and culture in which Jesus lived.
However, while watching movies like this, Christians must remember that faith comes from the Bible, not Hollywood.
Advice to the Christian Community
- Do not confuse an actor with Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Son of God, not a man who portrayed Him in a film.
- Read and study the Bible yourself. Don’t depend on movies to teach you about Christ. Instead, build your faith on God’s Word.
- Do not bow down to any man. Worship belongs to God alone. No pastor, priest, actor, or religious figure should receive the kind of reverence meant only for Jesus.
- Be careful of images and idols. Any picture of Jesus is an artistic guess, not a true representation. The Bible does not describe Jesus’ exact appearance.
Conclusion
Robert Powell is just an actor who played a role. He is not Jesus, and bowing down to his image is wrong and against scripture. The true Jesus Christ is not found in movies, paintings, or statues, but in the Word of God and the Holy Spirit who lives in every believer.
Let us, as Christians, focus on deepening our knowledge of the Bible and strengthening our relationship with the real Jesus—not a Hollywood portrayal.
John 4:24 reminds us:
“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
May we always worship God in truth and not be misled by movies or human representations. Amen.
