The Passion of the Christ is a film about the last twelve hours of Jesus of Nazareth’s life on the day of his crucifixion in Jerusalem. The film is subtitled, as it was largely shot in the languages of the period, Aramaic and Latin.
This movie came out in 2004. Until recently I had not seen it, but had always wanted to. I decided that this Easter just been would be a good time for me to watch it as I desired to spend some personal time reflecting on Jesus’ sacrifice for us.
Most of you will probably be aware and realise that the film is quite graphic. I was prepared for this (as much as one can be!). I wept through quite a lot of the movie, but this was not only from seeing the depiction of the physical suffering Jesus’ went through. What spoke to me most was how Jesus forgave those who mistreated / tortured / crucified Him. Like each one of us, they had done nothing to deserve forgiveness; it would seem the opposite in fact! Jesus cries out, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34).
I had been struggling around an issue of forgiveness, and while watching this, I realised there was no way I could not forgive. Jesus was, and still is, our example. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:12-13).
