The Passion

By: Randal Myers

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Never in my lifetime has a yet-to-be-released movie caused such a stir. The Passion of the Christ, set to be released on Wednesday this week, is a depiction of the last twelve hours of the life of Jesus the Christ.

Jesus was a controversial character from the moment of his birth. The controversy continued through his three year period of active ministry and intensified until he was ultimately executed at the hands of the Roman authorities upon trumped up charges of treason which had been crafted by the Jewish leaders of the day. For those who have been students of the Word, it is not surprising that he continues to stir controversy even in the year 2004.

"Jesus was a controversial character from the moment of his birth."

Surprisingly, the controversy over the film is its reputed scriptural accuracy. The objections are not that the film deviates from the Bible, but that it follows it. I have not seen a preview of the film, but my understanding is that it is in fact significantly accurate to the text of scripture. There has no doubt been artistic license used in making this a feature film rather than a documentary; however the major objections seem to center around the role Jewish authorities played in Jesus' death. On this the biblical record is pretty clear.

I am looking forward to seeing the film myself and encourage the church to see it as well. I believe the attention this film has gotten over the past several weeks and the continued press it is receiving can provide us with new opportunities in our community that have not previously been available. If we are to take advantage of the attention currently being paid to the crucifixion, we must do so from a position of knowledge. So I would encourage three things: first, take time to read the biblical account before seeing the film. Second, go to see The Passion of the Christ. And third, do a comparative analysis of the movie and the scriptures. Then and only then will we be in a position to assist those whose interest has been peaked by the film into a relationship with the Jesus; the crucified and reigning Lord and Christ.

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