“Light of the World” Brings a Child’s Take to the Gospels

In a time where faith-based films and series like The Chosen and The King of Kings are capturing hearts across the globe, Light of the World brings something refreshingly unique to the mix, offering a tender, animated retelling of Jesus’ life, seen through the eyes of a child.

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Created by filmmakers John Schafer (Superbook) and Brennan McPherson, Light of the World follows a young John, the future apostle, as he grows up hearing stories of the long-awaited Messiah.

As the film unfolds, John’s childlike wonder becomes the lens through which we meet Jesus: not as a distant figure, but as someone who laughs, builds, listens, and ultimately changes everything.

“We really felt like if we could let the audience become John as he’s searching for the Messiah and questioning, ‘Is He really going to save us?’, that’s [a worthwhile] journey,” John told Hope 103.2.

“[Seeing Jesus] as your friend [is] probably the biggest thing I walked away with from making this film.”

This child’s-eye-view isn’t just a creative choice but a theological one.

John’s childlike wonder becomes the lens through which we meet Jesus: as someone who laughs, builds, listens, and ultimately changes everything.

“Scripture says we have to become like little children in order to enter the kingdom of heaven,” Brennan said.

“There’s a grain of truth in that. My own kids remind me of it daily – the way they just accept me, trust me.

“That’s what Jesus invites us into.”

The film opens with a striking paper-cut animation sequence, inspired by Jewish art, as John imagines the Messiah as a mighty warrior with a flaming sword. But when he finally meets Jesus, everything shifts.

“It’s very much a shock,” Brennan said.

This child’s-eye-view isn’t just a creative choice but a theological one.

“[John]’s expecting a military leader, and instead he finds a man building something who’s humble, gentle.

“But that’s what wins him over.”

In contrast to an entertainment landscape that’s increasingly saturated with fast-paced, 3D digital content, Light of the World intentionally returns to a 2D animation style reminiscent of classics like The Prince of Egypt, allowing for more emotive, nostalgic experience.

“We just love it,” John said.

Light of the World is in cinemas September 4.

“It’s enduring and warm. And Brennan said something early on that stuck with me: 2D has imperfections. And we’re imperfect. But we use it to glorify the One who’s perfect.”

“This is a missional film,” Brennan said.

“We want it to last 10, 20, 30 years – and 2D animation helps it stay timeless.”

Adding to a growing wave of faith-based content, Light of the World stands out by inviting viewers to rediscover Jesus not just as a historical figure, but as someone approachable, kind, and real.

“People are searching,” John said.

“The world feels darker, and they’re looking for hope.

“We wanted to make something that speaks to that.”

Light of the World is in cinemas September 4.

Feature image: Supplied (Light of the World)