'GREATEST HONOR OF MY LIFE': Actor Tarik Makarem opens up on portraying Jesus

Key Concepts

• Jesus’ Ministry: The series focuses on the growing impact of Jesus’ miracles and teachings in Jerusalem, and the increasing weight of responsibility He carries.
• Actor’s Approach to the Role: Tarik Makarem discusses the spiritual and emotional depth required to portray Jesus, beyond mere acting skill.
• Faith and Performance: The interplay between the actor’s personal faith and his interpretation of the role.
• Theological Themes: The series explores themes of salvation, sacrifice, and the challenges faced by those in positions of spiritual leadership.

The Weight of the Role & Spiritual Preparation

Tarik Makarem, the actor portraying Jesus in Season Two of “Jesus: Crown of Thorns” on Fox Nation, describes the role as “the greatest privilege of [his] life,” going beyond a typical acting assignment and characterizing it as a “calling.” He emphasizes that embodying Jesus requires utilizing “every facet of one’s ability” and “walking in the footsteps” of a profoundly significant figure. Makarem highlights the emotional impact of the role, noting the series depicts Jesus as He begins to perform “visible physical and miracles” in Jerusalem, spreading news of the “coming kingdom.” This leads to a growing awareness and, consequently, a heavier burden on Jesus, a dynamic the series explores in detail. He also notes the reactions of the disciples to these events are a key component of the narrative.

Faith as a Component of Authenticity

Stuart Varney, the interviewer, directly addresses the question of whether being a practicing Christian is necessary to play the role of Jesus. Makarem acknowledges that many skilled actors could portray Jesus, but suggests that a purely technical approach might yield a “mechanical result.” He posits that truly capturing the essence of the character requires a willingness to “go there and take it all on board.” Makarem explicitly states he is a practicing Christian, and annually visits Assisi, Italy, to spend time with St. Francis of Assisi.

The Actor’s Contribution & Background

Makarem details his background, mentioning his origins in Derby, in the Midlands of England, and his connection to Derbyshire County Cricket Club, a “national treasure” celebrating its centenary. He explains that while actors can technically perform the role, the producers were specifically looking for someone who could tap into the “ethereal” aspects of Jesus, alongside the immense “weight on the shoulders.” He suggests the producers recognized his ability to access both the spiritual and the emotional demands of the role. He doesn’t detail specific contributions beyond this ability to embody the character’s duality.

Theological Echoes & Scriptural Allusions

The opening clip from the series features a dialogue referencing the difficulty of a rich man entering the Kingdom of Heaven, directly quoting Matthew 19:24: “Is it easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God?” Jesus’ response, “With God all things are possible,” (Matthew 19:26) is also included, emphasizing the theme of salvation through faith and divine grace. The clip also includes a musical refrain stating, “You then can be saved.”

Series Focus & Narrative Arc

The series, as described by Makarem, focuses on the escalating impact of Jesus’ ministry. The narrative arc centers on the increasing visibility of His miracles and teachings, and the corresponding increase in the weight of responsibility He bears. The series also explores the reactions and development of the disciples as they witness these events unfold.

Conclusion

Season Two of “Jesus: Crown of Thorns” appears to be a dramatic portrayal of Jesus’ ministry, emphasizing both the miraculous and the deeply human aspects of His journey. Tarik Makarem’s approach to the role highlights the importance of spiritual depth and emotional connection, suggesting the series aims for a portrayal that resonates with faith-based audiences while remaining accessible to a broader viewership. The series’ focus on the weight of responsibility and the reactions of the disciples provides a nuanced exploration of the challenges faced by Jesus and those closest to Him.