Reviews — SRW (personal review)

Early in October of 2003, I was privileged to be invited to a rough-cut viewing of The Passion of the Christ produced and directed by Mel Gibson. The film in its entirety was captivating. I was gripped with the intense reality that I was witnessing the last 12 hours of my Lord and Savior’s life on this earth. Beginning with the first scene of the film, I was immediately drawn into the Garden of Gethsemane. Through the eerie darkness, I peered between the trees into a moonlit courtyard and my eyes fixed upon Jesus Christ as He called out to the Father. On bended knee, He trembled. I sensed the tension He was wrestling with as I watched the sweat drip from His brow. At that very moment, the person of Christ became as real as the air I breathe. The visual image personified Christ as human by bringing to life the depth of His character, emotion, and passion.

The images became personal. Jesus was no longer just words and still pictures, but He was living and breathing. He invaded the brokenness of life with His perfection and humbly persevered through the suffering. I saw it all, including Judas’ betrayal. His kiss penetrated my heart like a knife. I envisioned a kiss that was once full of life, and watched as it quickly turned a page of deception only to deliver a sentence of death. Christ received this kiss as if nothing was different and even with this wound so fresh, I watched Him willingly endure the mission set before Him.

In the events following the scene in the garden, I had expected to just view what I had always been taught. I expected the physical pain Christ suffered to have the greatest impact. I knew that the images would leave a lasting impression. I knew these things before stepping into the theater. I was prepared for it. For as long as I could remember, every discussion I had ever heard about the crucifixion focused primarily on the pain involved. But the extent of the impact ran much deeper. For me, it was the unexpected that brought about a lasting impression. The film broadened my perspective to encompass something greater than physical pain—emotional and spiritual pain.

Christ had always been in the presence of the Father. His ultimate sacrifice was separation from the Father. I can’t even begin to imagine what that could have felt like. Separation. Eminent silence. One thing I admire Gibson for is that he artistically allows the audience to experience the effects of that silence. He was able to use silence in a very unusual but very powerful scene. As that moment came, I was flooded with feelings of hurt, pain, and loss. Even as a Christian, I questioned what would come next. I knew the ending very well. I knew what was going to come and yet, I believe my soul entered into a time of spiritual grief. Sorrow not only for Christ, but also for myself. I had never before, even in the slightest degree, imagined the effects of the silence, the actual separation from God. That powerful scene caused my soul to long even more to be with Him. If it were not possible, if I did not know Him, if I did not believe in Him, it would result in silence and darkness. The scene was a clear example of life without Christ’s sacrifice.

I can only describe this film as “an experience.” And yet that very word is limited. It doesn’t explain the total impact that this film continues to have on my life. The experience stirred within me a deepening understanding of God’s grace, mercy, and love.

This film is not traditional by any means, nor is it evangelistic by nature. It merely tries to put into perspective the last 12 hours of Jesus’ life. I know I am able to gain truth and revelation through God’s Word regarding the gospel accounts of the events surrounding those hours. This film, however, has revitalized my perspective on the events of that day. I will never read the Gospels the same way I did before.

I share these thoughts with you merely to express the fact that this film has changed me. I was invited to see the rough cut of this film only after several others were unable to attend. By His grace, God allowed me this unlikely opportunity. Even if the film hadn’t impacted me in such a way, just the opportunity to go would have been enough. This has allowed me to gain an even greater perspective of His goodness. Only good things come from the Father, not of myself. In the brokenness of life, I will have questions. I will face doubt and uncertainty. I will suffer. But I live confidently, with faith that He is in control. Every thirst, every need that I have—He is enough. If I follow His leading with clarity, He will bless my complete trust in Him, even through the trials and blessings.

If you decide to see the film for yourself and go into it with an expectation, you will probably get what you expected. I entreat you not to see the film for what you expect, but rather what you may gain from the unexpected.

—SRW