There was a single message on my answering machine after I returned from auditioning for the role of Jesus. It was from South African film director Regardt van den Bergh: "I'd like to talk with you about doing the film. Please phone me back as soon as you can."

I played the message again. Yes, I heard right; yes, that's his voice; it's him; he's offering me the role. This man I'd just met two hours before wanted me to play Jesus!

I stopped shaving, canceled my haircut, and hunkered down for what would be seven of the most intense weeks of my life?49 days during which I would pray like never before, study like never before, and memorize every word of Christ as recorded by Matthew.

The real work that had to be done?bigger than big?was a work in Bruce, the person. In my heart, I had to get spiritually, soulfully, and in every other way prepared to represent Jesus. I had to get myself out of the way so that the Spirit of God dwelling within me would shine in front of the camera.

For the first time, I began to pray prayers the Lord had been longing for me to pray, begging him for things he'd been longing for me to desire: "Jesus, give me your priorities and character. Mold my heart to reflect yours. Fill it with your compassion and love, your graciousness and gentleness, your mercy and joy, your passion for people and for goodness and holiness. Give me your heart to serve and forgive, your integrity and intimacy. Lord, make me like you."

I had never been one to memorize Scripture, but in the seven weeks of preparation, I spent day and night soaked in it. It was important for the words to become second nature to me. Only then would I be free to concentrate on Jesus' behavior and actions toward others.

There was also cultural/historical research to be done, exploring the world of first-century Palestine. Were my eyes ever blasted wide open!

Like Jesus' teaching on divorce: "Anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery." Divorce in Jesus' day was a hot issue. When he chose to speak openly like that, he was putting himself out on a limb. No matter the personal cost.

Can you imagine the shockwaves he must have caused that day? Can you imagine the silence that must have fallen over the crowd? Ah, what a day it must have been for the ladies!

Suddenly I saw a Jesus who was not so much unsympathetic but rather of uncompromising principle, standing alone for truth and liberating the oppressed, a Jesus who willingly took an unpopular stand for his Father's heart, his Father's will, and for his Father's daughters?fully aware it would cost him not only friends and followers, but ultimately his life. That's quite a man!

How does one "play" Jesus? I knew one thing for sure?I couldn't play God. End of story.