journey onWord with us

It was the only movie I can remember seeing without my traditional box of popcorn (I felt it would have been disrespectful to my Lord). I can still visualize where my wife and I were seated as we watched the once in a lifetime presentation. Can you believe that seven years have passed since Mel Gibson’s epic movie; “The Passion of the Christ” was released? Millions watched it; churches used it as an evangelistic tool and no one who viewed it will ever forget the images. For me, the scenes were hard to watch as the last hours of Christ’s earthly life were graphically portrayed. As powerful as the movie was, no portrayal could ever match the reality of what Christ went through to bear the sins of all mankind.

For one week each year our attention is turned to the events surrounding the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. If we are not careful, it can become a religious holiday that means little more than Easter eggs, a day off from work and a great meal with the family on Easter Sunday. Even Christians can let the holiday benefits outweigh the eternal significance of why Christ died. His life was lived on purpose, and that purpose included dying on the cross. The sinless Son of God hung between heaven and earth bearing the weight of our sin. For all Christ followers, this week should be filled with humble thankfulness for the price that was paid for our redemption.

The reality of what happened to Christ at Calvary was beyond what any movie could ever portray. Christ hung on the cross for our sins, forsaken by God the Father.  For just a moment, journey back with me to a scene from the cross that can be easily overlooked. Jesus was mocked and ridiculed by onlookers, guards and chief priests alike. What had He done to deserve their rebuke: NOTHING!

Mark 15:29-32
Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!”  In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him. 

People clamored for Him to come down off the cross. The chief priests mocked Him and cried out for Him to come down; then they would see and believe. Christ did not come, to come down. God the Son came to earth on a mission, and He was not coming down off that cross. The brutal reality of His crucifixion was necessary, and He accepted it willingly.

We all want to enjoy Easter weekend and the time with our families. But let us not forget that “The Passion” of Christ was not just a great movie. It was God’s way to purchase our eternal salvation. But remember, it didn’t end with His death on the cross. On the third day He came up out of the tomb conquering death, hell and the grave. Reflect, and be thankful this week for the reality of the cross, and the hope of the resurrection!

The message of Easter is NOT limited to those who already believe.  If you have arrived here at this post and find yourself questioning or seeking, reach out to us at journeyonwordwithus@gmail.com.  Christ came to bring this hope and new life to all.