Jesus (1979) is an American biblical drama film directed by Peter Sykes and John Krish, produced by John Heyman. The film is based primarily on the Gospel of Luke and aims to depict the life of Jesus Christ in a faithful manner. It was financed mainly by Campus Crusade for Christ and is notable for being one of the most widely viewed and translated films in history, with translations available in over 1,400 languages and more than 6 billion viewings globally.
The film opens with the miraculous birth of Jesus, as foretold by the angel Gabriel to Mary. It follows his early life, including the family's journey to Bethlehem for a census, where Jesus is born in a manger. The narrative continues through significant events in Jesus' life, such as his baptism by John the Baptist, his teachings, miracles, and interactions with various individuals. Key moments include Jesus calming a storm, feeding the 5,000 with loaves and fish, and raising a girl from the dead.
One of the film's distinctive features is its commitment to adhering closely to the biblical text without embellishment. The filmmakers aimed to present a straightforward retelling of Jesus' life as described in the Gospel of Luke. This approach has contributed to its reputation as an educational tool for those interested in learning about Jesus' teachings and ministry.
Jesus was released without production or cast credits, reflecting producer John Heyman's belief that the film was meant to serve as a translation of the Gospel rather than a traditional cinematic production. Despite its modest budget of $6 million, it achieved significant box office success and remains influential in Christian media.
The film has been praised for its authenticity and respect for the source material, making it a popular choice among religious audiences. Its impact continues today, as it serves both as an introduction to the life of Jesus and as a resource for evangelism and teaching within Christian communities.