Well, just got home after seeing The Passion of the Christ and I thought I would have a lot to say, but I don't. There isn't much you can say after watching it. I think everyone just needs a few hours to themselves afterward... that would probably be the most appropriate way to come away from it.
I will say this... if you have not yet been to see the film, DO NOT GO SEE IT FOR ENTERTAINMENT VALUE. There is none. This is the reason why I think the film is getting such mixed reviews. It is not an entertaining picture. If you are interested in the story of Christ, and are curious about him, and would like to know more about Christianity... then go see it. Otherwise, I would not recommend it. You will only find yourself with all of the others who have missed the point, and wonder if it was really necessary. I can actually understand, after seeing the film, the point of view of a person who isn't really interested in believing in Christ or being a Christian. I can understand why they might have a problem with the movie. Outside of the Gospel, the movie would be extremely undesirable to me.
I do have several thoughts that came to me while watching the film. Just some of the interesting theatrical elements and liberties that I thought were significant... but I will wait to share them another time. Right now I am exhausted. All I did was sit and watch the film... but in some strange and erie way, I felt like I was there... as part of the crowd.
+ + + It was me, Lord Jesus. I confess. I hate the thought of me putting you through what I just saw. But I know I did. Thank you for the visual reminder. Thank you for the power of art. Tonight I am drawn to a deeper affection for you. I love you. + + +
A side note on "The Passion". I was on MSNBC earlier to see how the box office numbers were over the weekend. The Passion was number one, of course. The preliminary numbers show that it took in 76.2 million over the weekend. The 5 day total since it's debut on Wed. is 117.5 million. It has already reached blockbuster status in 5 days.
Posted by: Des | March 01, 2004 at 12:19 PM
THANK YOU, JESUS!
After viewing the moving last night that's all one can say.
Chris, thanks for the pre-movie worship experience and we look forward to our next gathering together.
Posted by: Steve | March 01, 2004 at 02:49 PM
Just looked at MSNBC a few minutes ago. "The Passion" actually took in 125.2 million over 5 days. The distribution company underestimated the Sunday take, by almost 8 million dollars. This is the highest 5 day opening ever, for a film that opened on a Wednesday. It's even more that The Lord of The Rings, which did 124.1 million in it's first 5 days. Wow...
Posted by: Des | March 02, 2004 at 08:30 AM
This movie is causing Christians to take this Christianity thing a little more serious and non-Christians to ask questions - it's awesome!
Several people have commented on the baby satan was carrying. Any thoughts?
Posted by: Steve | March 02, 2004 at 09:34 AM
I heard someone say the reason the satan was carrying a baby was a way the devil was trying to show Jesus that, "Hey look I'm a daddy and I'm here for my son. Where is your father at?" Sort of to make Jesus feel as if God has forsaken him. At least that is the answer I got when I asked the question as well. I found it quite strange when I saw that as well. But the movie is a great door for the world today, if only people would stop missing the point of the movie. I pray that it will help bring people to Christ, and help the already Christians in their walk with God.
Posted by: | March 02, 2004 at 09:57 AM
I, too, interpreted the baby scene as a form of mockery. besides Jesus and Mary, satan was the only other one in that scene who had any idea what was really taking place. And he/she really felt the impact of it the moment of Jesus' last breath. That was also a cool scene.
Posted by: chris | March 02, 2004 at 10:13 AM
Joni and I had discussed that particular scene as well. I kind of thought that it may represent satan thinking that he was ushering in or "giving birth" to his kingdom, which was mockery of a sorts, as if he were throwing it in Jesus' face. Kind of like a last resort to try and keep Jesus from completing His mission.
Posted by: Des | March 02, 2004 at 10:46 AM
For questions about the movie (i.e. who Satan's baby was)check out www.thelife.com. I
Posted by: Bryan | March 03, 2004 at 09:33 AM
Words fail me. I believe words will fail any Christian who is writing about the film from their hearts and with adoration for the Lamb of God. It as not exactly a film one watches – it as an experience one goes through and comes out the other side.
I think nonbelievers will not “get it.” Nonbelievers will be watching something alien and perhaps unfamiliar, both as a story and certainly as a moment of faith. Nonbelievers will be frightened, threatened, aghast or appalled. But for anyone who has any kind of personal relationship with Jesus Christ – no matter how primitive or unformed – the film will sear the soul and strengthen that relationship. If you love Jesus and are grateful for what He has done in your life, you will be moved beyond words.
And you will no longer be angry or resentful toward those who attack the film and its creator. You will be moved to pray for them and to forgive them.
Posted by: David Hisbrook | March 09, 2004 at 01:54 PM