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ACTOR BRUCE MARCHIANO sets the record straight immediately. "I am in no way a pastor, teacher, scholar, or authority of any kind. I've never been to seminary or Bible school. I've never been an atheist, built a financial empire, spent time in prison, or been raised from the dead. I've never seen a vision of Jesus or had thousands healed by my touch. I'm just a sinner saved by grace. That's my only 'wow.'"

But that "wow" is plenty—especially when orchestrated by God. In January 1993, Marchiano began a spiritual and professionally demanding journey portraying Jesus Christ in Visual International's video, The Gospel According to Matthew, a production scripted word for word from the Book of Matthew (NIV). At times during the three months of actual filming, as Marchiano reveals in this excerpt from his book,In the Footsteps of Jesus, playing the role was frightening, exhilarating, wrenching, frustrating, humbling. At all times, it was transforming. That's what Bruce Marchiano wants everyone to know.

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.

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