Biblical Commentary

On The Passion of The Christ

Why the Stir? (Continued from Home page)

... Because it is so controversial? Yes, but there is more to all this than meets the eye.

First of all, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ were by far the most important events of history since God created the world. The importance of God's redemptive work through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ can hardly be overstated. As John Stott points out in his masterful work, The Cross of Christ, on the cross Jesus conquered evil, unveiled the glory of God and saved us from our sins. By this one event, the eternal destiny of countless people was forever secured in heaven. Why was the cross necessary? The Good News and Bible Outline shed some light on this question.

Since it has become the most talked about movie in decades, it promises to be a great means of evangelism as many churches and individuals take their friends and family to see it, and talk about its meaning. God has used the Jesus Film to bring over 100 million people worldwide to faith.

Isn't It Anti Semitic?

To be sure, the Jewish leaders plotted to kill Jesus Christ. But the Romans also played a necessary part in the joint effort to put him to death. Judas and Satan also played key roles. But seeing only what happened on this level misses the point. Dying for our sins was Christ's mission and this event had been planned from before the foundation of the world. As early as Genesis 3:15 the Bible foretold the cross. After the fall of man, God cursed the serpent this way, "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." In other words Satan would strike the Messiah in a way which would not destroy him. But the Messiah to come would utterly destroy the Devil.

Jesus said, "Now my heart is troubled," and what shall I say" 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!" (John 12:27-28) Christ died by his own volition under the decree of the Father. Anyone who understands and appreciates these things knows the world owes the Jewish people a debt which can never be repaid. Through them came both the written word, and the living Word, our Lord Jesus Christ.

What about the graphic violence?

Perhaps the most common observation from critics and supporters alike it that it overdoes the violence. Critics charge there is too much focus on the violence, pain and suffering. Here is the overlooked reality. The physical suffering the Savior endured in our place was gruesome and overwhelming, but it was as nothing compared to spiritual suffering he endured to save us from the wrath to come. To procure satisfy the requirements of justice on our behalf, the Savior had to endure the very pain of hell multiplied millions of times over. This is why he agonized in the garden over the cup he would drink, not because of the prospect of a brutal execution.

More on The Passion of the Christ (includes trailer) at HollywoodJesus.com. Allow time to download.

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