A few years ago a movie came out called The Passion of the Christ. It was a huge success and widely supported by Christians. Churches rented out theaters so their members and friends could all go see the movie together. I think almost every Christian I know went to see it. I heard amazing reviews about it from everyone. I almost felt like as a Christian I was obligated to go and see this movie. I felt like other Christians expected anyone who claims to be a Christian to see this movie. But I was hesitant and I kept holding back, not going to see it. I had already heard a preacher describe in great detail what Jesus went through, and I had heard that this movie was very graphic. I didn't go, mainly because I am not good with movies that have a lot of graphic and violent scenes. I almost started to feel like I wasn't doing my part as a Christian because I had not seen this movie. Almost. That was until I heard a pastor say something that I think I already knew in my heart. He said that though it was a great movie and he encouraged everyone to see it, it wasn't necessary. Here is the part that stuck in my mind to this day......he said the scripture is sufficient. And that is so true. I no longer feel bad for not having seen the movie. God's word is sufficient to speak to our hearts of everything God needs to tell us. It always was before the movie came out, and it always will be.
We actually bought the movie a couple of years ago, so maybe I'll watch it this weekend.
Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified. Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him. Matthew 27:26-31
Thankful Thursday
2 days ago
6 comments:
That's a great point, Kathy.
I saw the movie when our church did the theater thing. And I bought it, but I haven't watched it again. It is difficult to see, but I am so glad that I did see it. I am thinking to watch it again this weekend.
I never saw it either.
My pastor talked tonight about how Easter is different for each of us, and how we all have different emotions that we as believers bring to the death and resurrection of Christ. Here's what I took away from The Passion: I didn't want to see the movie, either, but did go with my husband and home group. To put it mildly, it was extremely intense, and it should have been because it depicted what Christ went through for me. I grew up in church and have known for most of my life what Jesus did for me, for my sins. I have read the account of the crucifixion in depth, acted it out at our church which moved me deeply, read the physician's account of the crucifixion which also was extremely moving to me, but the extreme reality of what Jesus went through for me that played out in that movie was heart wrenching reality. My blood pressure surged through the movie, and the anguish that came over me cannot be described. I was horrified, I grieved and wept, and I was so angry at satan. Several times, I wanted to run out of the theater, but didn't. I wrestled with extreme emotions for a couple days, as I think I should when I consider the cost of what God did for me through His Son. To this day, I cannot read the passages or anything on Christ's death, without picturing it in my mind. I can say I have never been the same since that movie. I still weep when I see scenes. I can say it deeply penetrated my heart and mind. The movie made everything much, much more personal for me. Have a blessed Resurrection weekend!
Kathy, I didn't want to see the movie either. My husband really wanted to see it, so I went with him, but I just watched the bottom of the right side of the screen the whole time.
I so appreciate and concur with your pastor. Oh, the scriptures are so very sufficient!
I never saw it...my mom keeps bugging me to see it with her. Every year I say maybe.
Kathy - my daughter saw it before I did and told me I should not go as I would not be able to handle the intense emotions evoked by the scenes! I did see it and it is graphic and extremely difficult to watch but the one thing I came away with - There is absolutely no way that Hollywood or any other venue on this earth can depict accurately what Christ went through and suffered for my sins! It is beyond my human understanding! He did what He did for me, for you and for every other person who has, is, or will walk on this earth!
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