Ok, this is where I need the writing skills of Rastus. Let's see. From the very beginning, you are "thrown right into the hot water". You are immediately grabbed by your face and forced to start dealing with the actual death of Jesus. The garden scene is intense, as is Jesus confrontation with Satan. I thought this was subtley powerful. Once they arrest Jesus, it is like watching a car wreck in slow motion. You are both disgusted and drawn to the torture of Jesus.
Something interesting happened while I was watching the toruture of Jesus. My flesh tried to flee the scene. I started daydreaming, I started reminding myself that this was "all hollywood" I kept thinking, "these are just actors, that's fake blood etc.". I got tired of the beatings and all of the noise. The noise (Jewish leaders yelling, Romans laughing etc.)got distracting and I wanted to yell "shut up!". My visual and auditory senses were getting overloaded. I was bothered by what I was seeing and hearing despite sitting on a plush chair totally removed from the heat, the craggy road, the sweat, the smells etc. Yet even the visual and auditories were overwhelming.
Then I realized, I was trying to not deal with the cross. I realized my flesh did not have the capacity to ingest what my sins caused Jesus to go through. I realized I was looking for a way out. I wanted to meditate on "good things", "healings, walking on water, Jesus preaching"...where was it all?!? That's when I realized how pitifully limited we are to even appreciate the love of God. My next wave of emotions was a heaviness. I felt unworthy. I kept thinking, "great, this is what I caused him". Then I started thinking, "how can I compare anything I go through to what He went through for me."
Sometimes, I ruminate on dying with Christ, and being buried with Him. Paul specifically talks of that. I started thinking, my repentance, is dying with him? Why? Because I skip a meal or 2 for Him, or I don't look at some porn, or I bite my tongue...that's sharing in His death?!!? We could not be baptized with His baptism! All are works are as filthy rags! I realized that my efforts are like my 2 year old when she "helps me" cook or clean, or lift something heavy. They are just expressions of her desire to be with me and her love for me. However, we can't "help" God. He did it all for us. I hope I never feel like I'm doing God a favor again!
The Passion is something that in my flesh, I don't ever want to see again. Yet, I would recommend everyone seeing it. It was a powerful movie. It was like when I went to the Holocaust. There wasn't much to say after you left. There was just a sense of brutality unimagined. The Passion is masterful and makes us look at the one thing most of us want to skip over...His death. I think that this type of movie doesn't have it's deepest effect the day you watch it, but it is like a reed struck against a little sapling. The sapling will bear that mark even when it's a mighty oak. I believe that this movie makes an indelible mark on your psyche, your soul, your character, your nature. I hope I never, ever forget what the REAL Jesus must have went through.
My 2 cents.
Sure. A few other thoughts. I was amazed at how the 2 thiefs so reflect our carnal and spiritual nature. One transgressor saw Jesus as someone to save him IN his sins. He wanted immediate relief from the consequences of his actions so that he could go back to his temporal life. W/out the "parlor tricks" the transgressor decided that Jesus was not worth believing in. He was full of anger, doubt and mocked the Lord.
The other transgressor realized that he was accountable for his sins and deserved the punishment of sins. He knew Jesus was innocent and did not care about being saved in his sins and gaining immediate relief but was more concerned about the next life. He was willing to die WITH his Lord to be with Him in the next life. Very compelling.
I thought that it would have helped if they did a flashback with a Rabbi explaining to a bunch of young children the need for a blood atonement. Maybe even showing the lamb sacrificed. Then pan to a 5 -10 year old Jesus. Then, maybe show a 12 year old Jesus confounding the Dr's in the temple over his questions of Messiah suffering (see Isaiah), finally a quick flashback to John proclaiming Jesus the Lamb of God. I think that short 10-15 minutes would have set the entire context of the movie.
Also, it would have been cool if when satan was shouting "NO!" (which should have happened after the resurrection not after the death, he should have been laughing and glorying in the death) he turns sideways and his skull is caved in!
Great review man. I can't wait to see this.
the symbolism and cinematography in this movie are beautiful....the look in Jesus's eyes when Peter denies him and the look on Peter and John's face when they look at Judas when he brings the gaurds to Jesus....so much detail...i am going to see it again this weekend....you really see how good those actors are to show all that emotion without saying much....this movie is not even really what I would call a movie...it is more of an experience....
I would also say it's more experience then movie. I keep going back to my visit at the Holocaust Museum. I left glad but heavy. The capacity for evil brutality is amazing. Humans can be so cruel.
I now look at violence a bit differently. I am a guy who loves the 8th round of the HolyField vs. Bowe fight. I love the character that it brings out. 2 willingly trained combatants
However, I left the movie with a sober and real displeasure at the times I've enjoyed violence out of a blood lust. I saw my face on one of those barbaric Romans and I had to look down in shame. I don't think I will ever be drawn to violence for the sake of violence ever again.
strong words man
Good review brother!
Man, I can't wait until I see this flick.
You become a sponge in the middle of a bath. After a while you can't absorb any more for the moment. Little pieces come back to me days later. I think it's the type of movie that you won't even be completely aware of it's impact until your praying, or rereading the crucifiction account etc.
See ya all!
"I realized that my efforts are like my 2 year old when she "helps me" cook or clean, or lift something heavy. They are just expressions of her desire to be with me and her love for me."
wow - well said
"Sometimes, I ruminate on dying with Christ, and being buried with Him. Paul specifically talks of that. I started thinking, my repentance, is dying with him? Why? Because I skip a meal or 2 for Him, or I don't look at some porn, or I bite my tongue...that's sharing in His death?!!? We could not be baptized with His baptism! All are works are as filthy rags! I realized that my efforts are like my 2 year old when she "helps me" cook or clean, or lift something heavy. They are just expressions of her desire to be with me and her love for me. However, we can't "help" God. He did it all for us. I hope I never feel like I'm doing God a favor again!"
Wow that was well said. Sobering.
My wife and I saw it today for. I couldn't really say anything for the entire ride home. It's a deeply disturbing and yet very uplifting movie.
Isn't it profound how much he loves us?
No matter what trials you face in your life, NOTHING is coming close to touching that.
Amen. You know, one other thought is how we misuse words..."man, my leg is KILLING ME", "I'm starving TO DEATH", "I LOVE that restaurant", "I HATE winter!"
Man, do we really understand the depth of dying, loving, hating, etc.?!? I think I will bite my tongue next time I dilute the impact and meaning of words...
Yeah - I just saw it yesterday. The thought that kept going through my head was that He would have done the same thing for me even if I was the only person alive. I can't even begin to make sense of that kind of love, all I can do is be grateful, which I know I am not grateful enough.
Great point Rooster. The things were complaining about are just discraceful.
Isn't it cool how He can change your whole perspective!?