The Passion

The first time I saw “The Passion of the Christ” was with some Youth Group leaders. We went partly out of curiosity, partly from a spiritual journey perspective, and partly to check it out before deciding if we should take the church Youth Group to see it. It remains an excellent resource for us to use during Lent as we prepare for Holy week.

Here are some of my reflections on the film. Every time I think about the film, I come back to the thought that Communion and the celebration of Holy Week – Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter – will never be the same. Christians tend to celebrate those important events so often that they lose their impact. This film so powerfully depicts what Jesus Christ suffered, and the depth of his love for us that Communion can never be the same for me.

I have seen other movie depictions of Christ’s “Passion” before. I have read many descriptions of it from historical, religious, and other viewpoints. Many of them were well done but none impacted me as deeply as this movie did. Isaiah talks about how Christ would suffer, be pierced, crushed for us and how by his stripes or wounds we are healed {Isaiah 53}. I thought I had a good idea of what all this meant; now I feel that I really can start to know and to appreciate what Christ did for me.

Some have objected that this movie is too violent and graphic in the scenes of beating, scourging, mocking, and crucifixion. The movie truly deserves its R rating for those scenes and it is not for young children. Those scenes make the movie uncomfortable and for those reasons, they are often “sanitized” when presenting them. Yet, if anything, Mel Gibson toned down what the Romans actually did to Christ. In addition, it does no justice to minimize Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. The movie interjects flashbacks during these scenes explaining some of the why’s, showing his love for us, and relieving some of the mounting tension the suffering causes.

One last note on the violence/ suffering part of the movie. As much as this film tries to sensitively, yet accurately show the physical suffering Christ went through; and even though it tries to show the spiritual warfare going on; there is no way it can show, or that we can comprehend the spiritual suffering Jesus Christ went through as our sins were thrust upon him, and when he became sin on our account.

The movie also highlighted the roles others played that fateful day. In John, you see the disciple in anguish yet striving to remain faithful. In Mary, you see not only spiritual anguish but also the anguish of a mother. Simon of Cyrene shows the life-changing encounter he had with Jesus on the way to Calvary. These and others brought the day to life for me and encouraged me to go forward with Christ no matter what the difficulties are.

There are details I would have done differently and there are places where Mel Gibson takes “artistic license” with the Biblical record. However, those do round out the story he is striving to portray and do not conflict with the Biblical account. The “surprise ending” was well done and helpful!

During the movie the theater was silently reverent which was totally appropriate. The only sound from the people around me was quiet weeping at times. That was extremely appropriate too.

Did I “like or enjoy” the movie? No, not really. Am I glad I went? Definitely. Should you see it? That is something for you to pray about. Then pray before you see it, while you are seeing it, and after you see it.

Really think about how desperate your sins are, how much God loves you, and thank Him!

Written by Rev. Daniel B. Baker March 2004



Articles by Rev. Daniel B. Baker :: Webmaster: Joseph I. Baker