THE CROSS
The only real hope, beautifully told.
Should You Watch It?
This television special makes a clear case for the transforming power of the Gospel. It is beautifully filmed, compelling, entertaining, winsome, and openly evangelistic. The program’s stories give its message a human face, while Billy Graham speaks directly about Jesus Christ and salvation.
The special received rave reviews from secular media despite its evangelistic content and was one of the most watched programs of 2013. If you want a family viewing experience that points clearly to new life in Jesus Christ, this is an excellent choice.
Practical answer: Watch it with your family, especially with older children and adults.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESThis television special follows two people whose lives were deeply troubled before they encountered the Gospel. Lecrae Moore shares his journey from abuse, drug use, sexual immorality, and violence, while Lacey Sturm tells of a dysfunctional childhood and her longing for death before meeting Jesus at church.
Their stories lead to Billy Graham’s presentation of Jesus and His message of salvation.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this is an outstanding television special. The filmmaking is described as among the most beautiful in television, and the program is compelling, entertaining, and winsome.
Its structure—interweaving two personal stories with Billy Graham’s heartfelt message—makes the Gospel presentation accessible and engaging. The special’s evangelistic purpose is direct, but the source review says it connected strongly enough to receive rave reviews from secular media.
The Worldview
This program presents a thoroughly Christian understanding of the human condition and its only real hope. Sin is shown through abuse, drug use, sexual immorality, violence, despair, and the damage of dysfunctional homes. The answer is not self-reinvention but Jesus Christ, whose Gospel brings salvation and transformed lives.
The special exalts the power of personal testimony and the necessity of new life in Christ. It presents Billy Graham’s heartfelt hope that Americans will find that new life, and it treats evangelism as an urgent act of love. The program’s worldview aligns directly with the biblical teaching that redemption comes through Jesus.
Its central message echoes Paul’s words: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Very strong Christian worldview with stories from people whose lives were transformed; no foul language; no visible violence but mild discussions of violent pasts; no sex but mild discussions of past abuse; no nudity; no alcohol; no smoking or drugs; and, some references to sinners who are transformed.
Talk About It
Four questions for the couch, the commute, or the couple bingeing it together.
What does it mean for someone’s life to be transformed by the Gospel rather than merely improved?
2 Corinthians 5:17 · Ephesians 2:8–10How should Christians respond when someone shares a painful or troubled past?
Galatians 6:2 · James 1:19Why is Jesus the hope this program points toward? What does salvation mean according to Scripture?
John 3:16–17 · Acts 4:12Who in your life might need to hear a message of hope, and how could you share it with gentleness?
1 Peter 3:15 · Romans 1:16The Final Word
Beautifully filmed, compelling, and clear about Jesus, The Cross offers older children and adults a powerful presentation of Gospel hope. It is WORTH WATCHING for families who want entertainment that points toward transformed lives.
