During the holiest week of the Christian calendar, “Jesus Crown of Thorns” is bringing the story of Christs victory after death to the screen, with its now available on .
As the story of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice approaches its conclusion, betrayal, sorrow and the ultimate triumph over death recapture the essence of what makes so special.
“The resurrection of Jesus is the message of Christianity,” Father James Martin, S.J., said in the series.
“It means that hope has triumphed over despair, love has triumphed over hate, and that nothing is impossible with God.”
In the series finale, Andrew and Matthew encounter a stranger on the road to the village of Emmaus, recognizing his true identity only when they break bread together â a pivotal moment reflecting the Gospel account of the risen Christ appearing to his followers.
Meanwhile, Saint John the Apostle recalls Christs promise that he would rise three days after his death â a promise soon fulfilled before his disciples.
“Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe,” Jesus tells them.
“This is what I told you. Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me⦠the Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins, will be preached in his name to all nations.”Â
As Christians across the globe reflect on Christ’s sacrifice, hope remains at the center of the story, pointing toward the promise of the resurrection this Easter Sunday.
Among those who remained closest to Christ in those final moments was the Apostle John, a figure whose loyalty and faith are central to the series portrayal of both the crucifixion and the resurrection.
Actor Alister Hawke, who portrayed John in the series, sat down with FOX Business’ “Varney & Co.” last week to discuss that unyielding loyalty, previewing the series finale while discussing what it means to portray the apostle widely considered the most beloved by Christ.
“He seems to find his feet when all the other disciples kind of slip away and fall away,” Hawke said.
“Ultimately, he’s a man that chose to stand up for what was right over and above what was easy in that moment.”
Hawke said having a “deep understanding” of the world and Biblical texts is crucial to capturing a role so crucial to the Gospel.
“I think one thing that’s really interesting for me playing John is experiencing that journey in real time, so, for example, not everyone’s got a Bible. We don’t know how the story is going to end and the pressure is so, so high in those situations and circumstances, and experiencing that and living that was a really special thing.”
The series finale brings that journey to its ultimate conclusion, depicting not just Christs suffering but the fulfillment of a promise foretold long before the crucifixion.
As the story closes, it echoes the words of the prophet Isaiah, a reminder of the meaning behind the sacrifice at the heart of the Christian faith: “He was pierced for our transgressions⦠and by his wounds, we are healed.”Â
To watch the series finale of “Jesus Crown of Thorns” this Easter, subscribe to Fox Nation.
