Experiencing The Passion Of The Christ

The Bible says that Jesus was so beaten that he did not appear human. Isaiah 52:14, “His appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man, and His face marred beyond human likeness.” The scourging scene was not as accurate as it could have been; normally one’s skin would lay in ribbons, one’s back completely opened up. Also the actual crucifixion contained a few discrepancies. The nails actually went into the wrist, considered by people of that day as part of the hand. Into the palm, the nail would not have held anyone. Also death came from both loss of blood but primarily asphyxiation. The victim would have to pull himself up to get air into his lungs. You don’t see Jesus struggling to get breath in the film.

The extra-Biblical scene of Jesus and his mother was touching (and the only light-hearted moment); also the comparison of Jesus the toddler falling was brilliant in showing the maternal care of Mary, in juxtaposition to Jesus stumbling on the Via Dolorosa.

In the opening scene, Gibson takes us all the way back to the promise of Genesis 3:15, the Protevangelion, or first glimmer of the Gospel: “he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Gibson also takes us into hell itself, showing the devil screaming, knowing that victory over sin has been accomplished.

A recurring theme of the movie is the Message of Jesus to love one another. That is what we need to take from the film, and especially the love He had to become our Sin-bearer. Some critics are offended that the movie implies they even need saving. That is the true offense of the movie, that we are all sinners, polluted, and in need of forgiveness, in need of a Savior.

As I left the theater, I could see that many people were visibly shaken, weeping. It took me several minutes to regain my own composure. I felt like I’d been given a severe gift of seeing what actually occurred on a hill far away. I’ve been to Israel, walked the Via Dolorosa, and served Communion in the Garden Tomb. That was a life-changing experience, and Mel Gibson’s movie was another. I left the theater feeling as though I’d just received the Lord’s Supper but without Bread and Cup. I departed in remembrance of Him who died for me. Include The Passion in your observance of Lent.