The Color of the Cross
At this time of year, as we enter the season of the Resurrection, I watched a film called The Color of the Cross. It tells the story of the last days of Jesus, portraying him as a Black man with woolly hair and a black beard. He is dressed in a white robe and sandals, while his disciples are a multicultural mix of different ethnic groups. Among them, Thomas and Judas are both Black. The film opens with the words: “It will change everything you believe.”
The Color of the Cross was introduced in theaters in 2006. It is a powerful and thought-provoking film that vividly depicts the last 48 hours of Jesus Christ’s life, challenging traditional assumptions about his appearance. Written and directed by Jean Claude LaMarre, who also stars in the film, it offers a fresh perspective on biblical history. It is a compelling film that all Christians should consider watching, especially as we approach Resurrection Sunday.
In one particularly moving scene, Jesus embraces a black sheep and reflects, “If only man would embrace that which is different, this would be a better world.” His enemies, however, criticize him, claiming that the color of his skin is blasphemous. The religious leaders of the time reject him as a Black Jew, making it clear that they would not accept a kingdom of dark-skinned Jews. Yet, his disciples continue to call him Master. In the film, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus’ brother James are also portrayed as Black. Jesus remarks, “My mother was forced to give birth to me in a manger,” and acknowledges that their people escaped slavery in Egypt, led by Moses.
As the story unfolds, Roman soldiers hear that Jesus is near and set out to find him. They storm the home of Mary and Joseph, threatening them. The scene then shifts to the Last Supper, where Jesus sits with his disciples, breaking bread and sharing wine. He solemnly states, “One of you will deny me three times.” The disciples are visibly upset, insisting that none of them would betray him. Yet, Jesus continues, warning them that one among them will betray him for thirty pieces of silver. The camera lingers on Judas, his guilt unmistakable. It is one of the film’s most powerful moments.
The Roman soldiers continue their search, asking the people, “Have any of you seen a Black Jew who travels with a dozen men?” When they find Jesus, they arrest him, beat him, and ultimately crucify him, placing a crown of thorns upon his head. Doubting Thomas voices the film’s central question: “Do you think they are doing this because he is Black?” This question lingers throughout the film, reinforcing the message that Jesus’ crucifixion was, in part, due to the color of his skin.
The Color of the Cross is not a film that will sit well with everyone. It is controversial, having been produced on a modest budget with little advertising. Critics did not give it favorable reviews, yet this columnist found it to be an insightful and important film. It sparks discussion, raising the question: Was it dismissed by some because Jesus is portrayed as a Black man? It would make for a thought-provoking viewing and discussion with a group.
I plan to order Part 2 next week, titled The Color of the Cross: The Resurrection. Additionally, I have produced my own film, Blacks in the Bible, which traces the presence and significance of Black figures throughout biblical history, from the Book of Genesis onward. To create this project, I conducted extensive research, studying the works of various biblical scholars. I also produced a CD on this topic, which is part of my collection of historical tapes and videos.