I know that Mel Gibson takes a bit of artistic freedom in the creation of the movie, but I think he does very accurately get one huge key point across that we are often very successful in looking past: Jesus was beaten, tortured, and despised by the very people that He came to save. I honestly can't remember the last time that I saw a picture in a church of Jesus covered in blood and half of His flesh torn off from being beaten. And I think that's because it's uncomfortable. We want to see the Jesus that looks like a white Ghandi with a good tan, a nice clean robe and a freshly trimmed beard. When we think of being a Christian we think of a happy, bright sunny day (see below - a painting that I recently picked up called "Sunday Morning Baptism". It certainly puts me in a great mood when I walk by it, but there's more to following Christ than just these bright sunny days).
Watching that movie was really difficult. I still have a huge knot in my stomach from watching Jesus suffer so that we might be redeemed. I just want to suggest that if you're a bit slow when it comes to Hollywood blockbusters like me, and haven't seen the movie - watch it. It is not only helpful but is also important to understanding that my daily sin caused that awful beating that Jesus endured. If it hurts to watch the movie...good. My hope is that the next time that I'm tempted to sin I can think of that hurt. My hope is that the next time that I feel alone, or that I want something more, or that [fill in the blank here]...I will vividly recall God's love for me and the sufficiency of Christ.
Jesus, thank you for the cross, my friend. (yeah, I've got a little Matt Redman going in the background - and thoroughly enjoying it).
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