The film begins with a Jewish mother sharing a creation story with her two sons, James and John. As she narrates the fall of Eden, she expresses relief, saying, “God didn’t abandon us. He promised a strong king, the Messiah, who will defeat the darkness and restore everything.” She adds, somewhat hesitantly, that some people believe “The Messiah is already here.”
Fast forward a few years, and John has grown into a 13-year-old. He encounters a strange preacher named John, who consumes eccentric locusts. This fiery figure encourages anyone who will listen to prepare for the coming of the Messiah.
The early scenes feature glimpses of Jesus at a wedding in Cana, where young John witnesses the miraculous moment when water is turned into wine. Suddenly, it hits him—Jesus is the one his mother spoke of, the promised savior destined to rescue Israel.
Next, we see Jesus performing miracles by the Sea of Galilee, including a large catch of fish, calling Andrew, Peter, James, and John to leave everything behind and follow him.
The film also weaves in a subplot involving John’s father, who grapples with skepticism and the threat of imprisonment due to unpaid taxes.
Many memorable Gospel moments are portrayed, such as Jesus casting demons out of Mary Magdalene, healing a paralyzed man lowered through a roof, and walking on water. The story culminates with his crucifixion, ascension, and a touching scene showing some who didn’t initially believe choosing to follow him.
While it’s uncommon to think of the Apostle John as a teenager, producer Brennan McPherson points out that “many of the disciples were likely teens.” Traditionally, John is considered the youngest, as he lived the longest.
“Peter was one of the few disciples who paid the temple tax,” McPherson notes. “It changes the perception of disciples as older men with beards.”
The Light of the World blends humor (think of John and John scrambling to be baptized while avoiding a swarm of bees), charm (young John’s wide-eyed wonder reflects our own encounters with Christ), and deep respect (the depiction of Jesus walking on water stands out as a cinematic highlight).
