Jonathan Roumie’s journey to portraying Jesus in The Chosen began with small-scale performances for a friend’s church. Initially cast in a short film titled The Two Thieves, Roumie originally auditioned for the role of the penitent thief but was unexpectedly asked to read for Jesus. Though Jesus had few lines, Roumie embraced the role, which led to recurring collaborations with Dallas Jenkins—the creator of The Chosen. These early projects, rooted in Ignatian spirituality and filmed for Good Friday services, laid the foundation for the larger vision of a series exploring the life and ministry of Christ. What began as a short film eventually transformed into a multi-season global phenomenon, with The Chosen becoming the most successful crowdfunded television series in history, streaming to millions worldwide.
Roumie shared how playing Jesus profoundly impacted his spiritual life. Though raised in the Greek Orthodox and Catholic traditions, his experience portraying Christ deepened his relationship with God. He described moments during filming when the gravity of delivering Jesus’ words overwhelmed him, making him question his worthiness for the role. This spiritual weight led him to lean more on prayer, fasting, and sacramental practices such as confession. Through his collaboration with the Hallow app and involvement in Lent prayer challenges, Roumie’s portrayal of Jesus became more than acting—it became an act of devotion and spiritual discipline that inspired countless viewers to return to faith and engage with Scripture.
Beyond the show, Roumie sees himself as a 'media apostle,' part of a broader cultural revival of Christian storytelling through film and digital platforms. His role has made him a recognizable figure, which comes with both spiritual responsibility and public attention. Despite the pressure, he remains grounded, frequently attributing his journey and its impact to God's providence. For Roumie, The Chosen is more than a career-defining role—it’s a sacred mission to bring the Gospel to life, inviting others to encounter Jesus in a deeply personal way.
Journal and reflect on the following
What does it mean to feel unworthy of a calling, and how can we still respond with faith when we are chosen for something greater than ourselves?
In what ways can our vocations—whether artistic, spiritual, or professional—become opportunities to serve God and others more deeply?
How do you prepare your heart and mind before undertaking something spiritually significant, as Roumie does through prayer and fasting?
Have you ever experienced a moment where you felt God's providence guiding your path, even if it didn’t make sense at the time?
How do spiritual practices like fasting, prayer, or confession bring clarity or healing in your own life?
What role does storytelling—through film, theater, or books—play in helping you understand and connect more deeply with the Gospel?
When faced with spiritual responsibility or public witness, how can we remain humble and open, trusting that God equips those He calls?
Discuss
Song - Lookup Child
Final Prayer
Lord Jesus, we thank You for the sacred calling You place upon our lives, even when we feel unworthy. In the humility of Jonathan Roumie’s journey and the power of portraying Your life, we are reminded that You choose the broken, the searching, and the willing to carry Your light into the world. Help us to surrender fully to Your will, to deepen our faith through prayer, and to courageously reflect Your love in all we do. May we, like the saints and martyrs who have gone before us, remain faithful even in suffering, trusting that through You, all things are made new. Amen.
