The Passion of the Christ
One of my older sisters, whom I admire and who has a great impact on my faith journey, once told me that she tried to make it a tradition each year leading up to Easter to watch the movie The Passion of the Christ. At the time, I hadn’t ever seen it but felt inspired by the way she spoke of its impact and the mindset it provided for her going into the holiday. So, I took the challenge a couple of years ago, rented the movie on Amazon Prime, and watched it a few days before Easter. I definitely was not prepared mentally or emotionally for the experience of seeing this movie, but it absolutely left a lasting impact on how I viewed the crucifixion and the tremendous blessing Jesus’ sacrifice is to us all.
For those who have seen The Passion of the Christ, I think it is safe to say it is not an easy movie to watch. For me, it was almost unbearable watching the scenes that fully display the horrific nature of Jesus’ suffering. However, it has made me feel strongly that as believers, it is necessary and important that we engage in some sort of practice around Easter that reminds us of the price that was paid. Whether it be watching a movie like this or studying and meditating on the scripture that it derives from, doing so humbles us and helps us to refocus our hearts and minds on the main points of the cross.
The main point is through Jesus’ death, He endured the full penalty for our sins. This act on the cross displays God’s mercy and the profound love that He has for you, me, and for all people. We certainly do not deserve it, but from Jesus’ sacrifice, we are free from the shame, guilt, and bondage of our sin and are given the gift of forgiveness and everlasting life with Him in the kingdom of heaven, if we continue in our faith. (Colossians 1:21 – 23, 1 Peter 2:23 – 25, Galatians 2:20)
In addition to this, the journey of the cross gives us a renewed purpose and serves as an important example of the actions we are all called to take as believers, which is to do the same as Jesus (metaphorically speaking) – deny ourselves, pick up our own cross, and follow Him. (Matthew 16:24)
This Lenten season, I am challenging myself to take time and step away from the day-to-day demands of the world in order to focus on the meaning of the cross. I hope you will join me in doing the same and thanking God for Jesus’ sacrifice – what an example and blessing to us all.
Jessie Parker, Director of Childcare Administration
