Actress, producer & filmmaker Roma Downey gives the show a call from her home in California to give insight about her new film Resurrection. The film chronicles the events surrounding the Crucifixion and Resurrection (and beyond) primarily through the eyes of the disciples, including what life may very well have been like for them post-Resurrection--the dangers they faced, the persecution, and the growth of the church despite opposition from Caiaphas & the ruling elders.
During the conversation, Downey says, "We hope this movie helps spread the gospel. Maybe somebody who doesn’t even know about anything about Jesus might watch the movie because they hear it’s a good movie and for the first time are exposed to the story. So we just pray for transformed hearts."
She adds, “We haven’t been able to go to church together. We haven’t been able to be in community for awhile. I’m hoping this film sets a fire in people’s hearts. It’s great preparation for and celebration of Easter.”
That her hope is to encourage should not be totally surprising. Downey was nominated for multiple Emmy & Golden Globe awards for her role as the angel Monica on the CBS series Touched By An Angel for nine seasons, with her character primarily one who encouraged.
Downey also produced the mini-series The Bible for the History Channel and been involved with numerous other media efforts.
Resurrection is currently available at www.discoveryplus.com.
Also, Tim shares a special Easter cookie recipe he came across years ago. It's designed to teach about Easter as you go through the preparation and baking process. Find it below the "Featured" listings.
Featured sports clip: Joe Girardi (Phillies manager)
Featured clip: Singer/songwriter Phil Joel (Newsboys, Zealand Worship, solo)
Featured music: Better Than I Found It / PHIL JOEL, He Came, He Saw, He Conquered / PETRA
Easter Story Cookies
You need:
1 c. whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
Pinch of salt
1 c. sugar
Zipper baggie
Wooden spoon
Tape and bible
Wax paper
Preheat over to 300 degrees F. Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, he was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave his life to give us life. Read john 10:10-11.
Sprinkle a little salt into each child’s hand. Let theme taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.
So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 c. sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because he loves us. He wants us to know and belong to him. Read Psalms 34:8 and John 3:16.
Beat the mixture with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God’s eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid. Read Matt 27:65-66.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven; close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and let them seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. Read Matt 27:-65-66.
GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 & 22.
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matt 28:1-9. HE HAS RISEN!
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