The Passion of the Christ is a vivid depiction of the last 12 hours of Jesus Christ's life. It is a 2004 film directed by Mel Gibson and starring Jim Caviezel. It depicts the Passion of Jesus, drawing from the New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The story begins in the Garden of Olives where Jesus has gone to pray after the Last Supper, and ends with a brief depiction of Christ's Resurrection. Also included in the film are flashbacks from Jesus' childhood, the Sermon on the Mount, the Last Supper, and other scenes from Christ's life and ministry. But the primary focus of the film is the crucifixion of Christ, and the incredible humiliation, agony, and suffering that He endured.
Recently in class we were discussing Soteriology, which is the theology of salvation. The word "salvation" is the translation of the Greek word soteria which is derived from the word soter meaning "savior". Included in our class discussion was substitionary atonement: God coming to earth in the form of man; redemption: the transaction that occurred when Jesus' blood redeemed us; reconciliation: through Jesus' sacrifice mankind's relationship with God changed from one of hostility to one of harmony; and propitiation: the wrath of God was satisfied by Jesus' sacrificial death. Also included was adoption: because of what Christ did on the cross, as Believers, we are adopted into God's family. All of this has to do with our soul being saved (the immaterial aspect of our being).
As I recently reflected back on our class discussion I was reminded of this film, The Passion of Christ. Although the film was controversial and received a great deal of criticism, I personally was extremely moved by it. I believe that it is the most accurate portrayal that I have seen, graphically illustrating the unbelievable betrayal, anguish, and pain and suffering that Christ experienced and endured as a sacrifice for mankind's sins. As someone that has been a Believer for almost half of my life, I often fall into the trap of taking for granted the unfathomable debt that Christ paid on my behalf, and the awesome privileges that I have received as a result. Although I am not entirely certain of the complete biblical accuracy of all of the scenes portrayed in this film, I am certain that as a Believer one cannot watch this film without being undeniably humbled and unspeakably grateful.
This movie is extremely moving and very intense, yet it makes you think of all that Christ went through so we could have redemption and be adopted as His children. The idea of adoption is actually a really amazing concept, for when someone adopts a child they are willfully choosing them. Those who are born into a family, their parents had no choice (NOT to say that most parents would want to switch their kids). Therefore, in adopting us, God willfully chose each of us individually as His children; that truly is an amazing story.
ReplyDeleteYou bring back joyful memories for me Ric. Although there were some things to possibly criticize with this movie, it was powerful and I know God used it in at least one life. I had been witnessing to a buddy of mine for a long time when this movie came out. He saw this movie and because of it, he gave his life to Christ and is a changed man. How about the ultimate "connecting", when we connect to the God Who we have greatly offended and yet He reaches out and saves us? What an awesome God we serve!
ReplyDeleteWhen i watched passion of the Christ, i was in tears because for the first time i saw very graphic details of a story that had read and listened to, but never gave me and full emotional grasp on what Jesus went through. I was sad that the movie got so much confrontation, because still to this day i think that it is one of the most accurate portrayals of Jesus sacrifice for all sinner. Thanks for sharing this and reminding many of us not to be nit picky about some things, but to enjoy that someone was trying to provide a close truth to what we know.
ReplyDeleteI remember watching this movie when it came out. I was around 15 and still remember not fully understanding the debt that was represented in the pain that Christ endured. Looking back I realize how little I understood the weight of my sin. Watching the movie these days invokes a reverence and gratitude that I did not understand almost a decade ago. This shows me how God has been perfecting me over the years and drawing me toward Him. I have no choice but to love Him all the more for His great sacrifice and as often as I think of the cross, I think of the freedom that was given to me by His grace and mercy. His boundless love leaves me in awe daily.
ReplyDelete