‘Light of the World’ Brings Jesus and His Disciples to Life in 2D
It’s rare that a brand-new animated film depicting the life of Jesus gets its chance on the big screen. Enter “Light of the World,” an imaginative retelling of the Gospels, courtesy of creative nonprofit Salvation Poem Project. Fans of 1998’s “The Price of Egypt” will enjoy this visual spectacle that explores the parables and stories found in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
In theaters Sept. 5, 2025, “Light of the World” follows in the rambunctious footsteps of John, Jesus’ youngest apostle. Having been told by his mother from a young age about a coming Messiah, John innocently befriends a man in town, whom he later learns is the One the prophets foretold centuries ago.
Through the wide eyes of John, the film takes shape; and so does the ministry of Jesus. John watches in amazement as He turns water into wine. He obediently follows as He calls him to become a “fisher of men,” and he turns his head in horror as He’s crucified.
With witty dialogue, well-developed characters and fast-paced action, “Light of the World” serves up an enjoyable 90 minutes as the animators behind movies like “Mulan” and “Mary Poppins Returns” transform the four Gospels into 2D.
As Jesus calls the 12 disciples, heals the sick, feeds the 5,000 and calms the storm, viewers are able to witness His power and authority throughout His three years of earthly ministry — all through the lens of his most precocious follower. Along the way, the poignant lessons young John learns are not lost on the astute moviegoer. “God rarely shows up in the ways you think He will,” Mary, the mother of Jesus, tells him.
Since fishing is their family trade, his own mother also uses a fishing metaphor to help John better understand how God works. “You might see a net; what I see is a promise,” she says. “Your father thinks that he’s responsible for catching the fish, [but] it’s just his job to cast the nets. Then we trust God to provide the fish. It’s the same as trusting God’s promises. Even when we find ourselves adrift in the deepest, darkest waters, even when all hope is lost, we still cast our nets and trust they won’t come up empty.”
In between the multihued vignettes, nuggets of truth are buried, making “Light of the World” not just entertaining, but also educational. The film is not all miracles and hijinks, however. The subject matter gets serious as the narrative continues into the crucifixion.
While the movie is obviously tailor-made for families, parents of very young children should be aware that, despite being animated, scenes surrounding the crucifixion are still slightly graphic, showing Jesus being beaten, bloodied and nailed to the cross.
Thankfully — just as in real life — the story doesn’t end there. Three days later, He defeats death; and “Light of the World” beautifully showcases His unprecedented resurrection, followed by His triumphant ascension.
In one of the film’s best sequences, the Holy Spirit is whimsically illustrated as — like a shooting star — it flies through the air and lands in the souls of those who have surrendered their lives to Jesus, thoughtfully representing how the Holy Spirit takes up residence inside each individual, portrayed in a way that kids can understand.
At the conclusion, John gives viewers a chance to ask Jesus into their heart with a simple, easy-to-repeat prayer:
Jesus, You died upon a cross and rose again to save the lost.
Forgive me now of all my sin.
Come be my Savior, Lord and Friend.
Change my life and make it new; and help me, Lord, to live for You.
Moreover, acclaimed duo Shane & Shane contribute a new song to the cinematic work. Plus, complimentary curriculum and additional resources for families and churches are available as well, providing supplemental teaching tools to aid parents and ministry leaders as they facilitate larger discussions around the movie’s themes.
With colorfully crafted animation, a storyline that moves quickly and a plot line that follows the Bible closely, “Light of the World” offers a fresh twist on a timeless tale.
Which Apostle are you most like? Find out with the easy "Light Of The World" Personality Quiz!
