Teen Actor Talks About Playing Jesus in New Teen Audio Bible

Written by Paula K. Parker

With the news filled with all the wild behavior of Hollywood teen actors, there is a group of young actors who want to counteract that image. Nearly a dozen young stars boldly put their faith into action by playing the characters from the Bible in the “Word of Promise – Next Generation,” which is available on CD or as an mp3 download. Paula K. Parker recently had an opportunity to talk with Cody Linley about this project and playing the role of Jesus. Other stars include “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks, “High School Musical’s” Corbin Bleu, and “Lord of the Rings” Sean Astin narrates the project.
 

Paula K. Parker: How did you come to be part of this project?
 
Cody Linley: Getting involved with this project was a very interesting process. John Kirby, who is the director – and was on site every single day of the recording – knows me personally. He knew that I am a Christian, and told me about the project of the Bible being on audio CD. He asked me to [consider] playing the role of Matthew. At that point, the role of Jesus had not been cast and they asked me if I would be interested in coming to read for it. I said, “Yes, definitely … the role of Jesus! Thank you!” Choosing Jesus for a project of this type is a very important decision; so it took them a few weeks to decide. I prayed about it too. I said, “Jesus, if this is your will that I play you and represent you in the right light, then please let it be given to me. If it is not, then let it go to the right person.” I was blessed to be given that opportunity; I was so excited and so happy to be able to do this. 
 
Parker: Were there any challenges?
 
Linley: It was a rewarding process, even though it was very grueling at times. It’s straight Scripture and we spent four-hour days doing the same passage, praying over it and working on it. It took me three months to do my part, working four or five hours of recording a day, five days a week. We didn’t want to go over five hours of recording a day; after five hours of shouting and preaching, it’s tiring. So we took our time. I’ll be proud of the results for the rest of my life; how many 18-year-old kids get to opportunity to portray Jesus?
 
[Despite that] I felt like I had a huge responsibility on my back; the pressure to do it right. All I could do was try my hardest, work as hard as I can to represent Jesus the way I wanted him to be represented. I had to keep that personal connection with Jesus; that’s what really helped me. We’re not alone in this world; God is the one who is steering everything. To accept that and say, “I’m going to let you take control,” helped with having the focus, because it was hard. The Crucifixion, that was a really intense segment; it took us almost a week to record. Keeping that close relationship with God was important. I am also very close with my family and they’ve been praying with me over this project, that God would help me through and shine through me.
 
Parker: Why do you think there is a need for an audio Bible for teenagers?
 
Linley: I think it’s real important for our society. I’m guilty of it too; I don’t read the Bible near as much as I should. But as teenagers, we all have iPods and stereo players in our cars; I continually listen to music. To have a project that uses actors to portray those biblical characters, reading Scripture enhanced with sound effects; I think it’s an awesome opportunity for people to get exposed to the Word and to the Truth.
 
“Word of Promise – Next Generation” is based on the ICB (International Children’s Bible) New Testament and is available in a 21-hour, 20-CD set as well as a mp3 format so that youth can download it onto their music players to listen on the go. 

Paula K. Parker covers entertainment for LifeWay.com from her home in Middle Tennessee. Visit her online at www.wordcrafts.net.

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