The Passion of the Christ

When I first saw The Passion of the Christ back in 2004, I lived in Los Angeles. It was interesting to see what a huge revolution this movie caused back then. It was almost like a tidal wave of change, controversy, movement, and uproar. I'll never forget being up at Universal Studios Citywalk and seeing the huge crowds of people outside the theater, and the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd in the movie itself. There was an electricity in the air that resonated with everybody. Everyone knew that this was something special. It was a phenomenon in our culture. People were drawn to this movie for a myriad of reasons. Interest, curiosity, downright conviction. I know people overuse the word "firestorm." But, that's exactly what The Passion of the Christ was when it came out. A firestorm.

Later, The Passion of the Christ, according to Wikipedia, became the highest grossing non-English movie ever made. It grossed over $600 million. Churches were having big screenings and inviting people in droves.

Watching this movie is an intense experience, to be sure. Scene after scene shows, in relentless detail, the brutal beatings and mockery of Christ. It is, without a doubt, a disturbing and heart-wrenching experience. To be honest, I have not watched the movie in its entirety since 2004. But, this year, I'm ready to watch it again. I think it's interesting that there is a PG-13 version that tones down the violence. But, the violence is the point of the film. It shows the horrible brutalities that Christ endured because of His love for humanity. His love for me. His love for you. It is difficult to watch this film without tearing up.

We should always remember, but especially on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, the pain, suffering, humiliation, and selfless sacrifice that Jesus Christ offered all people. I was humbled when I watched Passion. It resonates very deeply in my heart.

If Christ has never changed your heart, think about watching this movie. Don't watch feeling guilty. Don't watch feeling obligated. Just watch it with an open heart and an open mind. You can experience the love and salvation that so many others have experienced. Jesus loves you. When you watch The Passion of the Christ, remember the classic Bible verse, John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever shall believe in Him will be saved." Happy Easter.