While this incredible adaptation of the crucifixion of Christ was released in 2004, it took me until today to finally brace myself for what I would be viewing. I was familiar with Mel Gibson and had seen Jim Caviezel portray the De La Salle high school football coach, Bob Ladouceur, in the 2014 film “When the Game Stands Tall”. I must say I was impressed with Jim Caviezel’s quiet reserve which came through his character, his quiet reserve which is rooted in his faith. I had no doubt his faith would once again show forth through his quiet reserve as he portrayed Jesus Christ in “The Passion of the Christ”.
As a child, growing up in a Christian home and receiving my first Bible at the age of eight, I was very familiar with the crucifixion story and believed it without question. That being my premise, it would take me many years to read the scriptures surrounding His crucifixion, unable to internalize His physical and emotional suffering as well as grasp the cruelty and hatred of those involved. Thankfully, His resurrection followed His crucifixion, or I still would not be able to go there. I have since watched other crucifixion films, all well done. This crucifixion film would be no different, or would it?
Since the movie’s release I have occasionally watched interviews of Mel Gibson, but especially of Jim Caviezel. Jim Caviezel, again with his quiet reserve, shares bits and pieces of his experience portraying Christ during His last twelve hours. I desperately wanted to see this film, knew as a Christian I needed to see this film, but didn’t want to see this film due to the graphically realistic brutality I correctly knew simply couldn’t be edited out. And I knew I needed to allow myself to get emotionally involved. It’s the very least I could do, seeing what Christ did for me. It’s not about me and myself, my selfish emotions, but about Him and what He lovingly and sacrificially did for me, and for you.
Yes, this two hour movie begins and ends with much bloodshed. And Jim Caviezel is beyond recognizable at certain points. As a mother I felt myself holding my own adult son as Mary held hers, helpless yet now fully understanding the fulfillment of what it meant to be chosen to bear the Christ child. Watching this film, I found myself wondering just how anyone could remain coherent, even alive at all, throughout this nearly twelve hours of barbaric brutality. And then I heard myself saying, but He wasn’t just a man, He is the son of God. And I again am able to return to the heart of what it means to be a Christian, what it means to love and to forgive, to be forgiven. And I am redeemed, thankfully, I am redeemed.
As C. S. Lewis was quoted “Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important”. Revelations 3:15-16 (KJV) “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold or hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth”.
Yes, thankfully I am redeemed.
Hope you enjoyed reading this post and will consider sharing your thoughts, following me on social media and subscribing to my blog.