Why Do Movies About Jesus Do This?

No, no, not ALL movies. But I’ve noticed that recent movies about the life of Jesus have this tendency.

It’s a little weird. And when you start to see a pattern, you start to wonder if there’s a reason. And if so, what is it?

There are two things that are left out – maybe three. Of course this wouldn’t apply to a word-for-word reading of a Gospel, but movies such as Son of God or Risen.

• Thomas’ Declaration: When Thomas saw Jesus, did he touch Jesus’ hands or side? I doubt it – he was so overwhelmed, he said simply,“My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28) Why do movies frequently include Thomas, but frequently leave out his great declaration of faith?
• Lord: I haven’t done a scientific search through transcripts, but it seems that Jesus is rarely called “Lord” at all. This actually isn’t very common in the Gospels, but it’s more common after Jesus rises from the dead. (Once you get into the epistles, “Jesus” is usually paired with “Christ” or else “Lord” – rarely is it just “Jesus”.) Peter seemed to like to call Him Lord.
• Father, Son, and Spirit: It’s the Great Commission, of course – which is sometimes included in some way shape or form in these movies. But I’m not sure I’ve ever heard the whole thing. Why is “the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19) frequently left out?

I’m not saying that every movie about Jesus’ life is bad unless it’s a word-for-word transcript from the Bible, necessarily. But these things, especially the first and the last, seem pretty glaring by their absence. Especially when the scene is included – and the scene with Thomas in the Bible is pretty short (it’s not as if these things would have to be cut because of time)! – but the key words are left out.

Have you noticed this? Any reason why this might be?