Jonathan Roumie on Playing Jesus: Faith, Lent, and The Chosen Insights

Jonathan Roumie Shares the Burden of Portraying Jesus

Jonathan Roumie, the actor who brings Jesus to life in the popular series The Chosen, recently sat down with Tucker Carlson to discuss the profound impact of this role on his personal faith and life. In a candid conversation posted on March 5, 2025, Roumie opened up about the spiritual weight of embodying such a revered figure. He described how the opportunity to play Jesus came as a direct answer to his prayers during a challenging time in his career, a moment he reflects on at the start of the interview.

Roumie admitted that portraying Jesus carries an immense responsibility. Around the 9:35 mark, he spoke about the pressure of living up to the expectations of millions who see him as a representation of their faith. He emphasized that while he strives to reflect Christ’s teachings, he is human and cannot fully embody the perfection of Jesus, a sentiment that resonates with many who admire his work.

The Significance of Lent and Personal Spiritual Practices

As the interview coincided with the beginning of Lent, Roumie took the opportunity to explain the importance of this season in the Christian faith. At approximately 18:41 into the discussion, he described Lent as a time of reflection, prayer, and fasting, aimed at drawing closer to God. He shared how he observes Lent through personal sacrifices and spiritual disciplines, encouraging others to consider similar practices to deepen their faith.

Roumie also touched on the power of fasting, referencing conversations with fellow actors like Mark Wahlberg and Chris Pratt around the 24:59 timestamp. He highlighted how fasting, often misunderstood, serves as a way to heighten spiritual awareness and focus on what truly matters. His insights offer a practical perspective for those looking to engage more deeply with their beliefs during this sacred time.

Biblical Accuracy and Personal Transformation

One of the key topics discussed was the biblical accuracy of The Chosen. Around the 46:03 mark, Roumie explained the meticulous effort by the show’s creators to remain faithful to the Gospels while adding relatable human elements to the story. He noted that this balance has helped viewers connect with the life of Jesus in a fresh and meaningful way, making scripture come alive on screen.

Roumie also shared how immersing himself in the Gospels for the role transformed his own life. At about 48:29, he revealed that studying these texts deepened his understanding of faith and reshaped his perspective on living out Christian values. His personal journey underscores the impact that engaging with sacred texts can have, even beyond the screen.

Christian Persecution and Resilience

The conversation took a somber turn around the 51:36 timestamp when Roumie and Carlson discussed the persecution faced by Christians worldwide. Roumie specifically mentioned the 21 Christian martyrs in Libya, whose faith in the face of death serves as a powerful testament to resilience. He expressed admiration for their courage, urging viewers to remember and honor those who suffer for their beliefs.

Further into the discussion at roughly 1:19:37, Roumie highlighted historical examples of Christian endurance, such as the community in Nagasaki that survived unimaginable hardship after the atomic bombing. These stories, he argued, demonstrate the unyielding strength of faith even in the darkest times.

The Role of Prayer and Public Recognition

Roumie also addressed the importance of prayer and confession in his life. Near the 1:02:02 point, he spoke about confession as a way to maintain spiritual health, likening it to a cleansing process that keeps one grounded. He encouraged openness to such practices as a means of staying connected to faith amidst life’s challenges.

Being recognized in public as the face of Jesus has its own set of challenges, as Roumie noted around 1:05:36. He described moments where fans approach him with deep emotion, often seeing him as a direct link to their spiritual lives. While humbling, this recognition adds another layer of responsibility to his role, one he navigates with grace and humility.

Collaborations and Spiritual Tools

Towards the end of the interview at about 1:24:38, Roumie discussed his partnership with the Hallow prayer app, which offers guided meditations and prayers to help users grow in their faith. He expressed excitement about this collaboration, seeing it as a way to support others in their spiritual journeys. This initiative aligns with his broader mission to inspire and uplift through his platform as an actor.

Jonathan Roumie’s conversation with Tucker Carlson provides a window into the intersection of faith, art, and personal growth. His reflections on playing Jesus, observing Lent, and facing spiritual challenges offer valuable insights for anyone seeking to strengthen their own beliefs.