JESUS: A Deaf Missions Film Review & Giveaway

Many thanks to Deaf Missions for providing a sample of this film for review. My opinions are 100% my own.

From the day of Pentecost, Christian apostles have proclaimed the Gospel’s good news to all who would receive the message. Filled with what is said to be both the Holy Spirit and humanity’s saving graces, a heretical message spoken in all languages, is that whoever walks away from their humanistic experiences, believing in Jesus Christ, shall be saved. Some, however, weren’t convinced.

Despite their spiritual teachings in Acts 2:13, “They’re signing like they’re drunk,” some followers would not, and could not, hear the intended message-especially those within the Deaf community. Conveying the good news to not only the masses but the Deaf community in American Sign Language.

In JESUS: A Deaf Missions Film, staring Gideon Firl as Jesus Christ, of Nazareth, Miles Barbee as Simon Peter, Ryan Schlecht as Caiaphas, Joseph Pfaff as Pontius Pilate, Yamila Davis as Mary Magdalene, Heba Toulan as Mary, Mother of Jesus, and Hector R.J. Reynoso as Joseph of Arimathea, directed by Joseph Josselyn, with Deaf Missions, a Christian ministry seeking to evangelize to the “Roughly 98% of the worldwide population of Deaf citizens that have “never encountered the real Jesus,” according to the ministry’s website mission statement.

Along with a score and other standard sound effects, this theatrical release is portrayed in American Sign Language, standardizing the life of Jesus, practically and understandably. Featuring a deaf ensemble, direction, and production sharing both ASL and subtitles, shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in new and intelligible ways. Offering audiences a new take on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus in a way that is faithful to the faith’s central text. Depicting Jesus Christ, both the living God, in the flesh, and as a compassionate, centrist humanist.

Likewise, the Christian disciples, including Mary Magdeline, and Jesus Christ’s mother, Mary, are portrayed in equal measure. Their various male counterparts share their respective personalities including Peter, who despite his humanistic failings, finds his faith, and Thomas’ famous foibles, who view the centrist story of Jesus, whose spiritual community grows in faith through His work.

Despite many of Christ’s teachings not being portrayed, his central message remains the same poignant and moving portrayal of His four gospel accounts, including the first two chapters of the book of Acts, and Jesus performing many known miracles-healing the sick, walking on water, calming the sea, forgiving sin, rising from the dead, and bringing justification to those believing- in Him.

Audiences will share an inside perspective on the leadership of the high priest, Caiaphas, the inner workings of the Pharisees, the common people recognizing the Messiah, including Nicodemus, and the foreshadowing of Christ’s atonement.

Despite, time constraints and translational issues between American Sign Language and English, Jesus delivers a stellar performance and close theatrical translation of Christian text. With only a few instances differing from stricture when Jesus is confronted by a wealthy young ruler (Luke 18:18-30), the film skips the reference to Christ as a “good teacher,” a misdirect from Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus (John 3:6), regarding the spirit being born to be in the flesh. With special attention being added to the following scripture: Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 1:26-38, 8:1-3, John 1:41-51, and Acts 1:8-9.

Keeping in mind the film’s depiction of Christ’s crucifixion, including the flogging and beating by the Romans, tearing hooks into Jesus’ skin, open wounds covered in blood, the hammered application of nails, a crown of thorns upon His head, and being spat upon by the Jewish Pharisees. As well as the depiction of Christ’s risen’s ascension, the remnants of the crucifixion, with the wounds on Christ’s wrists, used to convince the doubting apostle, Thomas. As well as the regrets of a fallen apostle, Judas, Peter cutting off a man’s ear, and Mary Magdalene, possessed by numerous demons, chews on shards of pottery, until Jesus rebukes, said demons.

JESUS: A Deaf Missions Film provides audiences with a unique and uplifting take on the teaching and resurrection by way of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that will uplift audiences, within the Deaf community and otherwise this season in theatres. Impacting the movie’s central theme of hope through the film’s spirited direction and talented ensemble cast, in theaters June 20 and 23rd, 2024.

This long-awaited feature film about Jesus, in American Sign Language is a must-see this season in theatres. Be among the first to experience the first full-length feature film about the life and good works of Jesus, entirely in ASL. Be sure to buy tickets today to see JESUS: a Deaf Missions film in theaters starting June 20, 2024.

Plus, the good people at Momentum Publishing are giving one Theladyprefers2save.com reader a chance to win their own $10.00 Amazon.com gift card. To enter, please leave a comment on this post, or Facebook, Instagram, or X, sharing why you’d most want to see JESUS: A Deaf Missions Film, showing in theatres this June 20th. Please note: Winners with entries across various bloggers will not be accepted. All entries must be received before June 26, 2024, at 11:59 P.M.. All entries will be verified. Gift cards will be provided electronically directly from Momentum Publishers via your provided email addresses. Good luck!

Friends, are you planning to see JESUS: a Deaf Missions film in theaters starting June 20, 2024? Leave your thoughts below.