students of jesus

What happens when the artists become the Bible expositors? Apparently some people are offended, some are challenged, still others yawn and go their solitary way. More and more I find myself with the artists, because they help me see with new eyes, hear with new ears, and taste the sweetness of God’s good heart.

For example, look what happens to the Parable of the Prodigal Son in the hands of Franco Zeffirelli, director of the still-fabulous Jesus of Nazareth. In this six-minute clip Jesus tells the familiar parable from Luke 15, but this film version helps us understand more than one meaning of the well-known story. Here’s all you need to know: (1) the guy in the black hair and beard is Peter, who is very upset that Jesus has selected Matthew as a disciple; (2) Matthew, the guy whose head is covered, has invited Jesus to a party filled with drunkards and unsavory types--they are Matthew’s friends; and (3) the guy dressed in white with the sparkling British accent? Well, that’s Jesus:

Now, here is the parable within the parable: Zeffirelli, who turns 89 next month, is a gay Roman Catholic. Just over three years ago he said, "I am a Christian down to the depths of my spirit." He has received criticism from both religious organizations and gay rights organizations for holding this seemingly impossible identity.

I am content to let him describe himself in any manner he wants, because I am profoundly grateful to him for filming this scene.