By Max Obeidin, Koenig News Contributor
When I first read that Mel Gibson had started filming "The Resurrection of the Christ," the follow-up to 2004's "The Passion of the Christ," I was excited but also curious. The plan is to release two parts in 2027 — one on Good Friday and one on Ascension Day. But what caught my attention right away was who Gibson chose to play Jesus: a Finnish actor named Jaakko Ohtonen.
Because part of my ancestry is from Finland, I wanted to learn more about him. It was not to criticize anyone, but to understand the kind of person being asked to represent Jesus to the world. I found only limited information from public sources and social media. As I read through it, some things gave me concern, not in a hostile way but as something worth bringing to light.
Ohtonen has acted in Finnish television and theater and seems to be well respected for his skill. But I noticed that nothing I could find pointed to a clear faith in Jesus Christ. His posts generally came across as modern and sociable, but there was no sense of a personal belief in the Gospel. His wife, Alma Hätönen, is a radio and television personality known for her work on various programs including a series that deals with spiritual topics from a New Age point of view — ideas like energy, spirits, and “the other side.”
These are not small things when the role is Jesus. The Bible teaches that those who represent what is sacred should have a good reputation and live according to sound moral standards. In 1 Timothy 3:2 it says that a leader “must be blameless… temperate, self-controlled, respectable.” Verse 7 adds, “He must also have a good reputation with outsiders.” Though an actor is not a church leader, when he becomes the image of Christ for millions, the same principle applies.
The Bible also says, “Judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24) and “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:11). These verses do not call for anger, but for wisdom. They remind us that truth matters even in art.
Jim Caviezel, who played Jesus in "The Passion of the Christ," once said, “My prayer is that I don't want people to see me in the film; I only want them to see Christ.” I have always remembered his heart for the Gospel. You could sense his sincerity on screen. For him, it was not just a job — it was a mission.
Today’s world looks different. The film industry often treats faith as story material rather than a matter of belief. Many actors are spiritual but not biblical. That gap can change how the story of Jesus is told. When art loses reverence, it starts to reshape what people believe about God without even meaning to.
The Bible calls believers “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20). In that sense, anyone portraying Jesus before the whole world carries a responsibility that goes far beyond acting skill. The question is not whether Jaakko Ohtonen is talented — he clearly is — but whether the message surrounding the film will point people toward the real Jesus or toward another version shaped by modern culture.
I realize that God can use anyone. He has done so throughout history. Some of the people He has chosen to work through were deeply imperfect. So there is still a possibility that this role could become a turning point for Ohtonen himself. We should certainly pray about that.
At the same time, I believe we need to stay alert. In Ephesians 2:2, Scripture speaks of “the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience.” This reminds us that spiritual influence is real, and that the lines between art, culture, and belief are not neutral. When someone steps into a role like this, whatever spirit fills that space will reach millions.
This is why prayer is needed more than protest. It is right to pray for Mel Gibson, for Ohtonen, for everyone on set — that God will guide them and protect the message from distortion. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). My prayer is that this light will not be hidden in this production, but that the film will shine truthfully about who Jesus really is.
I write these things as one believer who cares about how Christ is portrayed to the world. I believe many others feel the same way. We do not need to tear people down, but we do need to stand for what is true. The image of Jesus belongs to no actor or director. It belongs to the One who rose from the dead — and that truth must always remain at the center.
[Max Obeidin has been involved with Koenig News for the last nineteen years, but typically does things that are more behind the scenes. He has a Master's Degree in Theological Studies from Liberty University.]
Related Articles / Information:
Finnish Actor Jaakko Ohtonen Will Replace Jim Caviezel as Jesus in Sequel to Mel Gibson’s ‘The Passion of the Christ’ - ChurchLeaders
Roles Jaakko Ohtonen Played Before Taking on Jesus in Mel Gibson’s ‘The Resurrection of the Christ’ - CBN
Casting Backlash as ‘The Resurrection of the Christ’ Casts Pro-Choice Actress For Role of Mary - BeliefNet
Alma Hätönen leaves Yle and Finland (Finnish Mainstream News Article, Google Translated) - Ilta Sanomat (Evening News)