Thanks to reader Kyle.. And a Gloriously Happy Easter to you as well.. :-)

Lynda

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Lynda, for your readers!

Kyle

Miracles Witnessed While Filming of The Passion of the Christ: ✝️

No Hollywood studio would agree to make The Passion of the Christ, so Mel Gibson decided to create his own production company and fund the entire film himself.

While casting the role of Jesus, Mel Gibson warned… pic.twitter.com/M71d3tC6EO

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) April 18, 2025

https://twitter.com/bennyjohnson/status/1913347707806322867

No Hollywood studio would agree to make The Passion of the Christ, so Mel Gibson decided to create his own production company and fund the entire film himself.

While casting the role of Jesus, Mel Gibson warned Jim Caviezel:

"Playing Christ will be incredibly difficult. If you do this, you'll likely be rejected by Hollywood."

Jim took a day to pray. Then he told Mel:

"We have to make it, even if it is difficult. My initials are J.C., and I am 33 years old. The same age as Christ. I didn't realize that until now."

Mel paused: "You're really scaring me, you know." And hung up the phone.

What followed was the most brutal movie role in Hollywood history.

– Caviezel lost 45 pounds
– Was struck by lightning twice
– Whipped accidentally, leaving a 14-inch scar
– Dislocated his shoulder
– Suffered pneumonia & hypothermia after hanging the cross for hours in only a loincloth
– Filming the crucifixion took 5 weeks
– Later required TWO open-heart surgeries due to stress from the role

And still, his purpose was clear:
"I didn’t want people to see me. I just want them to see Jesus. Conversions will happen through that.”

And they did:

- Pedro Sarubbi, the actor who played Barabbas, said of Cavezel: “His eyes had no hatred... only mercy and love.” He later converted to Christianity.
- Luca Lionello (Judas): Former atheist, converted to Christianity after the film & baptized his children
- A Muslim technician on the movie converted to Christianity after the film.
Countless millions around the world were converted to Christianity through the film.

It grossed $611 million worldwide, becoming the most successful R-rated film in history.

But more than that—it changed hearts around the world showing the true pain of Christ’s suffering.

Jim Caviezel now proclaims Christ boldly:
A role that nearly destroyed him became the one that saved countless others.