“Forty-Seven Days with Jesus,” a movie starring several cast members from “The Chosen,” will arrive in theaters in time for the Easter season. More than 800 theaters nationwide are scheduled to present it on March 11,12 and 14.
The film is an Easter story centered around the Burdon family, led by Joseph and Juliana. As the family gathers at Poppa and Nonna’s ranch for a reunion, they come to realize the disconnect that has crept into their lives. Faced with marital challenges, teenage turmoil and Poppa’s health struggles, the adults decide to share Poppa’s captivating ‘Forty-Seven Days’ story with the children, transporting them back in time to witness the miracles of Jesus’ final days on earth. As Joseph faces an unexpected business opportunity that places him at a crossroads, his commitment to his family is put to the test.
“Can the Burdons pull together in the face of uncertainty?” the movie description asks. “With Poppa’s tale as their guide, they embark on a journey toward unity and rediscover the true essence of walking in faith.”
“Forty-Seven Days with Jesus” marks the latest offering in a recent surge in TV series and movies that draw inspiration from biblical stories. “The Chosen,” a series about the life of Jesus and his followers, is now in its fourth season, with 110 million viewers across 175 countries.
Dallas Jenkins, creator of “The Chosen,” says that the popularity of Bible-based shows like his reflects a growing appetite for authentic and relatable storytelling.
“I think so many people see Jesus, and even the followers of Jesus, as stained-glass windows, statues, something on a page, something on a painting,” he said. “Even when they read the scriptures, they sometimes have difficulty connecting. I think by making the show, making Jesus and the disciples, reminding people that they were human beings and saying, ‘Wow, their struggles are our struggles. Their questions were ours, therefore, the answer can be the same.’ That seems to be what’s resonating with people.”
–Dwight Widaman | MV
