THE COMPASSION OF THE PASSION
The Compassion of the Passion
"When you look at the reasons why Christ came, why he was crucified--he died for all mankind, he suffered for all mankind. So that, really, anybody that transgresses needs to look at their own part or their own culpability. It's time to get back to a basic message, the message that was given... He forgave as he was tortured and killed." (Mel Gibson on The O'Reilly Factor January 14th 2003)
I was recently troubled after reading a paper entitled Ten reasons not to see Gibson’s film. The paper was written in a judgmental tone, condemning the Passion of the Christ. While the author cited several reasons not to see it, the spiritual impact of the film on viewers is undeniable.
After seeing the film I left the theatre in shock. The movie portrayed Christ's sacrifice so realistic, I felt like I was there. The spiritual impact was obvious to everyone in the theatre. Some remained in their seats quietly meditating on the message, while others sobbed out loud. To reject this film despite its positive impact seemed absurd to me. Would it have been better if it had never been made? "Then Jesus said to them, 'I ask you one thing: is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or destroy?” (Luke 6:9). To Jesus, saving lives was the issue.
When people miss the film's message because they are distracted by claims of anti-Semitism, violence, or Catholic themes, Satan has done his work. The point of the film was that Christ died for all of our sins by his own choosing. "No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have the power to take it again" (John 10:18).
When I talked to people about the film, all agreed it had an impact on their lives. For some the impact was enough to bring about the realization they needed a Savior. For others the controversy surrounding the film was an obstacle they could not overcome. Jesus said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me" (John 10:27).
The challenge before us is this: we must either accept the fact that this film played a role in bringing people to Christ or reject it. Now John answered Him, saying, "Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us." But Jesus said, "Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. "For he who is not against us is on our side" (Mark 9:38-40).
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