The Passion of the Christ

The Passion of the Christ

I want to start by applauding Mel Gibson for having the courage to make this landmark film.

I was watching the news the other day and a professor of theology at one of the local schools was lecturing to his class regarding this film. He appeared upset that Mel Gibson stopped with the Crucifixion. He felt that Gibson should have gone on to the Resurrection.

How did this man become a professor of theology? He obviously does not get it. The Crucifixion was the key event, the most important event in all Christendom! Far, far more important than the Resurrection.

Jesus Christ was the true innocent, He alone among mankind never committed a sin. He is the one person who did not deserve punishment. The Christ did accept punishment. The perfect innocent accepted the punishment for mankind's sins. His punishment was atonement for the sins of all humans past, present and future. Thanks to Jesus Christ and His sacrifice we, each of us, is forgiven our sins. Thanks to Jesus Christ we will all go to heaven!

The Crucifixion was the important event, the Resurrection was simple the promise, the Amen if you will, to let us know that God had forgiven us and that we too, could expect resurrection.

John 19: 30.

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

The key words are "It is finished." Jesus was indicating that he had completed the task appointed to him by God. He had sacrificed himself and thereby accepting the punishment for our sins.

Too often, we Christians have tried to 'pretty up' the Crucifixion. We ignore the pain and horror suffered by Christ on our behalf. Nevertheless, it is imperative that we understand just what Jesus went through, for only then can be truly believe that he died for all our sins.

Americans love a happy ending. The Passion of the Christ has a happy ending, even though it appears not to. The happy ending is our forgiveness through the Grace of God and the Sacrifice of the Lamb, Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior.

Amen