The Passion is a movie that must be seen by all people. Not only does it generate passion and emotion in Christians, but it also makes people who are usually disinterested in the Bible ask questions. That's good because if they keep seeking out with sincerity the things of God, Jesus tells us that they will find the answers (Matthew 7:7). Although I found some minor inaccuracies in the movie, as well as some over-hollywoodization in some parts, I think the message was still conveyed rather well, which is, God loves us so much that He sent Christ to die a terrible, brutal death on our behalf, and took our sins upon Himself. He paid the price for our sins. What a wonderful, powerful message that is to all of mankind. Many have griped that the movie is too violent, and too over the top. They say that it is so violent to the point of masochism. To that I say nonsense! You absolutely must consider that the weight of ALL human sin was upon Christ. Crucifixion's were not pretty, but I think that the added addition of mankind's sin upon Him made it all the more gruesome. I don't know what the naysayers were expecting. Perhaps a light whipping and a gentle attachment to the cross? The fact is that this movie is violent because that's the reality of it, that's how crucifixion's were. The people who are torturing Christ are insanely cruel, but then that is what one would expect when they read the Gospels and see how much the leaders of that day despised Him. So the movie is very violent throughout, but Mel Gibson is great at giving you breaks in the violence. During different parts of the crucifixion, it goes into various flashback scenes in Jesus' life. Scenes such as the last supper, the forgiveness of Mary Magdaline, Jesus doing some carpentry work, etc. There are enough of these scenes interspersed throughout the movie so as to give you a break from the constant torture that Christ suffered. These scenes also serve as good Biblical background for people who may not be familiar with the Bible. Gibson is a good at inserting these scenes in at just the right moment. My hope is that people come away from the movie with a new passion for Christ, as well as a new appreciation for what Jesus had to endure. And for the unbelievers and disinterested, I hope they come away with a new curiosity and a new desire to seek out what truth is. I pray that this movie will help ussher in a new wave of Christ-seekers and a new revival among America, as well as a lot of the rest of the world. Of course, it can and will only happen by the grace and will of our amazing God. |
