The Passion of the Christ, a 2004 blockbuster movie depicted the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in detail.
While shooting the movie, Jim Caviezel the actor who played Jesus in the movie suffered the following injuries:
- a lightning strike
- a 14-inch scar while shooting the whipping scene
- severe migraines because of the effort taken for the cosmetic makeup
- a dislocated shoulder when the 150lb cross fell on him while filming the Golgotha scene
- a bout of Pneumonia and lung infection because of shooting in severe winds with minimal clothing.
If the actor who played the role of Jesus suffered this much, imagine how much Jesus would have suffered. What does the Passion (The word Passion which is derived from Latin, means suffering) of the Christ mean to you? Is it just a blockbuster movie or much more than that? Let’s try to answer a few questions:
- Why was this required?
- How was Forgiveness given in the Old Testament?
- How do we respond? Are we making use of this?
Why was this required?
- It was the will of Father God and Jesus fulfilled it – John 6:38-40, John 10:11
- Atonement – We carried the curse of Adam’s sin and were born in Sin. He died for forgiveness of our sins and to redeem us from condemnation. The Bible says “The wages of sin is death and the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ” Romans 6:23 But for the cross, we wouldn’t be talking about eternal life.
- He gave us the right to become children of God John 1:12 – Only Jews were the chosen people and the rest were all gentiles. We got the privilege to call Him Abba, Father because Jesus died on the cross.
- He carried all our grief, sorrow, burdens, iniquities, transgressions and sickness. Isaiah 53: 4-5
- Peace – This chastisement brought us peace Isaiah 53:5
- Healing – By His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5
- New Covenant – In the old covenant, people of Israel entered into a covenant with Yahweh. Only the high priest was allowed to enter the altar. At the last supper, Jesus made a new covenant with his disciples and now everyone is allowed to enter the throne of grace Hebrews 4:16
- Victory over sin and the devil – The Israelites failed in the old covenant. Jesus showed us by example that we can have victory over sin & devil
Forgiveness of sins in the old testament
Under the old covenant, the Israelites had to sacrifice a blemish free lamb as atonement for their sin (Kaphar means covering in Hebrew), a temporary atonement for one year. Jesus became the lamb who sacrificed himself as a permanent atonement. The 2nd Adam redeemed us from the curse that was brought upon us by 1st Adam. The new covenant promises salvation from sin and eternal life with God.
How do we respond? Are we making use of this sacrifice?
- Salvation – Agape love should not go wasted. Receive salvation that’s freely offered by the cross and get deliverance from sin – Lift up the cup of salvation (Psalm 116:13)
- Relationship with Him – Restore the relationship that was in the garden of Eden. 1 Peter 2:9 says we’re His chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, people who belong to Him.
- Holiness – Right from the old testament days, the Lord expected holiness from his people. God said, “Be thou holy for I am Holy” Leviticus 11:45 Its important to stay away from the acts of flesh explained in Galations 5: 19 – 21 and present ourselves as a living sacrifice.
“The Passion of the Christ” – Is it just a movie or much more than that? The decision is yours