the passion of the Christ

 

 Now that we are entering Holy Week, I think it may be a good time for those who haven't yet seen it, or haven't watched it for a while, to get a copy of the movie, "The Passion of the Christ" and watch it again. This Mel Gibson film is by no means a clean, romantic Hollywood version of the last few hours of the life of Jesus. It is painful to watch. Beginning with his agony in the garden, it weaves the Evil One through the film, always lurking nearby, hoping that Jesus will cave in and give up His plan for redemption, so that Evil will continue to ruin the hearts of many. Instead, in the last scene is Evil itself, writhing in agony.

Even as he was being taken away by the soldiers, Jesus healed a soldier whose ear was hacked off, saying that those who live by the sword shall also die by the sword. This is true even today. How many wars will it take before we realize that peace will always be a better solution?

Peter's denial of Christ also tore at my heart. Here is this man who swore to Jesus that He would die for him if necessary, yet like a coward, he saved himself instead. It calls to mind Jesus' quote that no greater love has a man than he lay down his life for his fellow man. Again, though...we are all just mere mortals....how many of us give that second thought to actually diving in and doing "the right thing?" Have you ever denied someone that you loved due to issues with pride...anger...jealousy? If you are a member of a family--which all of us are--you know at some point that perhaps...you have.

Then there were the Jewish people...the folks who Jesus ministered to, healed...fed. Like the sheeple they were, instead of allowing Jesus his freedom, they were caught up in their own mob scene and allowed a murderer to go free instead.

Mary Magdalen is also a silent, but powerful fixture in the film. Jesus saved her from stoning ("He who is without sin, cast the first stone!") and she follows him all the way to the end. In her eyes is the pain of seeing her Master being scourged at the pillar, reflected also in the eyes of His own mother, Mary. The pain of watching her own child being hurt tears at her very soul. Knowing that this is a prophecy that must be fulfilled according to Scripture, yet as a mother, wanting so much to relieve her Son of his pain. In your own life, has your "yes" answer brought you pain...even though you know that it is what must be accomplished?

     


The scourging at the pillar is particularly hard to watch (and I urge that if you have children, that you be with them during this part, because this is so real). We can see the pain registered in the eyes of Jesus as the crowd grows mad with sadistic joy at seeing bits of flesh being torn away. Blood spatters the men who wield the whips and chains as they delightfully wipe it off their faces. I think of our own lives and the reports on the news of those who also sadistically kill another, be it an animal or a person...and for what? But then, we ALL are guilty of this, even on a lesser level. When you ridicule another, or hold one in judgment, when you have more than someone else and refuse to share with the least of those around you, you have also just scourged Jesus.

I found it interesting that one of the two criminals who also were crucified asked Jesus, "why do you embrace your Cross?" It occurred to me that we all have our own crosses to bear, some are greater than others. Do we embrace our Cross...or do we become bitter and complain at each step in our own journey?

Only one disciple stayed with Jesus and this was John. He was the youngest and probably the most passionate about the teachings that he was given. Alongside Mary and Mary Magdalen, he watched the tortuous journey and as Jesus breathed his last, he was told to care for the Mother of Jesus. Interestingly enough, it was John who stayed, Peter who fled and yet when Jesus returned, He told Peter that it would be he who was in charge of the church on earth. His ability to forgive is something we should all emulate.

Finally, we have Simon of Cyrene, who initially wanted nothing to do with helping Jesus to carry his cross, yet complied when pressed to do so. I have written another post before about this man. In our own lives, we may be asked to help another with their cross, though we wouldn't wish it on anyone else. How many of us do so...and willingly...or is it grudgingly? Crosses are not a fun day at the park. We may be watching as another lays dying from an illness or injury, it may be offering support to one who is addicted to drugs...to alcohol....helping a homeless person...feeding the hungry or taking a stand against human injustice. It is never a popular thing to be that cross bearer, but it's when we shoulder the burden that it becomes lighter, more do-able.

Today is Palm Sunday. Today the church bells are ringing and we are joyful. In Scripture, Jesus is seen riding into Jerusalem on an ass as palm leaves are waving all around Him. He is hailed as a hero by His own people. Yet, in just a few short days, those who hailed him will be calling for his death. I encourage you to do somethign each day that would make the day of another easier, brighter, better. Be the reason that Jesus came to earth, show others who He is...by your example.
In short...show others that His death was not in vain.
Pray. Pray very much also.
Amen.