Christ's Passion For V.i.c.t.o.r.y. Series

After my first viewing of this film, I left thinking, “Wow, the gospel story of Jesus will surge world-wide!” And then I thought, “Woe! The gospel story of Jesus Christ will surge world-wide. I wonder if judgment isn’t near!” I’m praying for a massive turning to God in repentance. Today I want to share 2 thoughts.

I. Ultimate Victory is only through Jesus!

A. “Thanks be to God! He gives us Victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”– 1 Corinthians 15:57

B. There were four scenes in Mel Gibson’s film that very clearly pointed to Christ’s Passion for Victory!

1. Foot stomp: One of the most powerful scenes came at the beginning of the movie where Jesus is laying prostrate in the Garden pouring out his soul to the Father and pleading with him for Help. Satan, who is also there sends a poisonous snake Christ’s way in order to kill him. Jesus, acting as if nothing is happening, rises to his feet and (stomp) stomps the head of the snake– which foreshadowed exactly what Jesus would do in his death, burial and resurrection! And that fulfilled what Genesis 3:15 records when God said to Satan, “He will crush your head and you will strike his heal.”

2. “It is accomplished”: Then remember from the cross, Jesus speaks some of his last words, “It is accomplished!” You have to ask, “What was accomplished?” His mission, His purpose was accomplished. And “Victory” was achieved! He died for our sin! (Here is a letter written to a local advice column along with the response.. Dear Eutychus: Our preacher said on Easter, that Jesus just swooned on the cross and that the disciples nursed him back to health. What do you think? Sincerely, Bewildered..........Dear Bewildered: Beat your preacher with a cat-of-nine tails with 39 heavy strokes, nail him to a cross, hang him in the sun for 6 hours, embalm him, put him in an airless tomb for 36 hours, and see what happens. Sincerely, Eutychus) Make no mistake. Jesus died, but for victory.

3. Satan’s scream: Remember Satan’s scream? Now, I confessed this three weeks ago, but Mel Gibson’s The Passion of Christ, actually changed my theology. In the last scene of the movie that included the Devil, he is sitting on the ground and he is emotional. At first I jumped to the conclusion that He was laughing because Jesus was killed. And I have always thought that Satan and all his hoards of demons would be having a party. They instigated the murder of Jesus. But as the camera went vertical to allow me to have a bigger picture, I realized that in the movie, Satan wasn’t laughing. He was in agony. Why was he crying? Why was wailing? He was crushed! He knew he had lost! He knew He was doomed! Jesus had won the Victory!

4. Resurrection: Victory was clearly seen in the Resurrection. I was a bit scared that the conclusion of the movie would be ruined by a brief “faith only” spiel. But I was so amazed and so inspired by the conclusion and not a word was spoken.. Mary, Mary Magdalen and John had just taken the dead body of Jesus off the cross and Mary-his mother just held him...... Then the screen went completely dark and I thought, “Oh no, they can’t stop it here. And I sat at the edge of my seat half way anticipating the credits. Instead, the darkness was overcome by the piercing light as the stone rolled away and you realized you were in the tomb. His grave clothes fluttered by the breeze and then Jesus stood up and headed out the door. Victory was given. What death did to Jesus is nothing compared to what Jesus did to death. V.I.C.T.O.R.Y.