Sunday, April 14, 2024

Reflection - Walking With Christ - The Mystery Of God Dying

Source (book): "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Chapter 17, "The Mystery Of God Dying", Page 95.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012



I was once invited to watch the film The Passion of the Christ by the Board of Censors before it was released for public screening.
PHOTO: I was once invited to watch the film The Passion of the Christ by the Board of Censors before it was released for public screening.

On the one hand, there was much excitement about the film's positive impact. Many Christians, including pastors and evangelical leaders, had praised the film - for its realistic portrayal of Christ's suffering, for how it would help us see how it must have been, and for its evangelistic potential. The dialogue in the film was in Aramaic and Latin, languages that were spoken then, which made the film all the more realistic (albeit with English subtitles).

On the other hand, critics have accused the film of excessive violence, and anti-Semitism in its unflattering portrayal of the Jewish religious leaders. Some also found fault with the film's reliance on extrabiblical inspiration, such as the writings of Anne Catherine Emmerich, a 19th-century Catholic nun. Director and producer Mel Gibson, an
avowed (declared) Roman Catholic, also infused (filled) the film with a distinctly Catholic flavour, with elements such as the stations of the cross, the origin of the Turin shroud, the prominent role of Mary, and scenes reminiscent of Michelangelo's Pieta (a picture or sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding the dead body of Christ on her lap or in her arms).

We cannot expect a two-hour film depicting Christ's passion to limit itself to biblical material alone. A scriptwriter who used only the biblical text for setting and dialogue would run out of material in less than an hour. It is therefore given that the material for such a film would come not only from biblical texts, but also from tradition and artistic imagination. If we accept this, then we need not expect anything less from the film or dismiss it too readily.

It is clear, nonetheless, that the film's extrabiblical sources and some of its artistic licence constitute weakness. Its failure to show more of Jesus, what He taught and did, and its all too brief portrayal of Christ's resurrection may also be seen as weakness. But the film is resolute in focusing on the passion of Christ. No doubt, as a medium, the film has limits. Whether such films exist or not, the gospel of Christ mut be preached, and preached clearly, for
faith comes from hearing (Romans 10:14-15, 17).

The key question is whether the film helps us to encounter Christ or forms a barrier to that encounter.

Do we really need to focus on Christ's physical suffering? Isn't it enough to know that He died on the cross to save us from our sins? Is giving too much attention to the physical aspects of the passion, like in the annual re-enactments of the crucifixion in the Philippines by some, a distraction from the truth of Christ's death for us?

That Jesus suffered physically for us is a truth recorded in Scripture. He was
bound (Mark 15:1), spat on, blindfolded, punched (Mark 14:65), beaten (Luke 22:63), and flogged (Mark 15:15). He had a crown of thorns pressed on His head, was then beaten on the head with a staff (Mark 15:17-19), and finally suffered an unimaginably painful and agonising death by crucifixion (John 19:18). As if all that was not enough, Jesus was mocked, insulted, and publicly humiliated. These biblical passages were given flesh and blood by the film. The graphic nature of the scene made it difficult to watch what Jesus must have gone through, but they put to rest the familiar images of a crucified but serene Lord, who seemed as though the cross was no big deal for Him.

The biblical depiction of Christ's suffering is reflected in our ancient creeds. In the Apostles' Creed, we confess that Jesus "
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and buried . . . The third day He rose again from the dead". Jesus suffered greatly for us. We cannot treat His sufferings lightly or dismiss them as unimportant. Didn't the prophet Isaiah declare that "by His wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5)?

While few people have physically suffered the same way Jesus did, those sufferings were not unique; in Christ;s day, the Roman empire used crucifixion to punish criminals and insurgents. Today's examples of physical torture may not be far removed from what we see in the film. Therefore, what relevance does Jesus' suffering have for us? First,
it shows the extent to which He went to save us. It brings us to the depths of His love. For those who suffer physical pain and torture, as with Christians in similar circumstances throughout the ages, Christ's suffering become a source of comfort - He personally knows their experience.

If it is true that some suffered like Christ did, it is equally true that no one died like He did. His death was unique. His was the death of the God-Man, the Son of God,
the one whose death on the cross put to death all other deaths. Through His death, we are saved from our sins. He bore the burden of the world's sins and suffered utter loneliness when the Father turned His face away from the sins of the world placed on His Son. He fully suffered the penalty of sin on our behalf. No one could die like Him. The men in the Good Friday pageants in the Philippines may be flogged and have their hands pierced by nails and be crucified on crosses. They can mimic the physical sufferings of Christ but cannot mimic His death. His death is unique because He is unique.

The Passion, despite its imperfections, somehow does what Paul said: "Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified" (Galatians 3:1). Our response is crucial. I have heard some, Christians and non-Christians alike, say how moved they were by the film. But to be moved emotionally is one thing, and to realise that Christ's sufferings and death were for them is another. In the film, the hand that drove a nail into Christ's palm belonged to Gibson himself, the point being that each of us is responsible for Christ's suffering. This truth may allay (reduce) the fears of those who think the film is anti-Semitic. The film, in fact, points its finger squarely in the direction of the watcher. We must realise that Christ died for you and for me.

The film graphically depicts how Jesus was tortured and humiliated for us. Is it violent? Yes, it shows how the victim, the Lamb of God, was brutally beaten, tortured, and crucified. Does it glorify violence through senseless brutality? No, since
the film's hero suffers spine-chilling violence but responds non-violently. He loves those who beat Him and dies for them. He glorifies love and sacrifice, not violence. No matter what they did to Him, only love was found in His heart. He gives a lesson that must be learned by all. Jesus on the cross is not only our sacrificial lamb, but also our model. To follow Him will not be easy. We squirm in our seats as we watch the film, not only because of what Jesus suffered but also because we wonder whether we would have the faith, courage, and love to follow His footsteps if we were similarly tortured. Our Lord is the one who invites us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him (Luke 9:23).

This film, like all films, can be seen as entertainment or a work of art. But because it depicts the passion of Christ, we Christians are especially interested. It is not Scripture and therefore has many imperfections; it should not be made a fifth gospel. But it carries a true story larger than itself or its director. It is the story of Jesus of Nazareth, and the film is dominated by Him crucified. If it ceases to be mere entertainment, if it makes people ask who this Jesus is, if the cinema screen fades to become a window to the greatest mystery on earth: that God would lay down His life for our sins, if it draws us closer to the Christ who loves us without limits, if it produces not applause but worship of the shepherd of our souls who sacrificed himself for us, if it produces not fans but disciples of Christ, if it makes viewers say, "
Lord, You went through all that for me; help me to follow You and Your way." - then this film is indeed a blessing. Whenever we deal with the story of Christ, we deal with holy mystery. He is larger than art forms and films. He invites us to encounter Him and respond to Him - as He takes us to the cross, to the empty tomb, and to the right hand of the Father in heaven.

"
Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again!" May the truths of Good Friday and Easter, as we mark them in church, draws us closer to the one who will return in glory.

Picture posted by Jack Shepherd, Independent on Wednesday 31 January 2018 at 13:32 GMT

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflEA2J2JES8QQRPekvH-wW3C96_rr-5jZDLyj0Vid4Qc6xzHqvjUAASXuR5YdWCCMehJa9_gBfnfcSgusCKIybt89NELop7WcPtxExEwtQ9zLVU9B7iwiLQcBfnIwXtk_wlgLnSuWX6uUWPiz7z1MsLNsZiI58E6Ev5ueEUJwOrY8DaNMXMloQkou6ZA/s1600/thepassionofthechrist.png
https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2018/01/31/12/thepassionofthechrist.jpg
https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/passion-of-the-christ-2-mel-gibson-jim-caviezel-jesus-resurrection-a8187051.html



I was once invited to watch the film
The Passion of the Christ by the Board of Censors before it was released for public screening.

On the one hand, there was much excitement about the film's positive impact. Many Christians, including pastors and evangelical leaders, had praised the film - for its realistic portrayal of Christ's suffering, for how it would help us see how it must have been, and for its evangelistic potential. The dialogue in the film was in Aramaic and Latin, languages that were spoken then, which made the film all the more realistic (albeit with English subtitles).


On the one hand, there was much excitement about the film's positive impact. Many Christians, including pastors and evangelical leaders, had praised the film
PHOTO: On the one hand, there was much excitement about the film's positive impact. Many Christians, including pastors and evangelical leaders, had praised the film - for its realistic portrayal of Christ's suffering, for how it would help us see how it must have been, and for its evangelistic potential. The dialogue in the film was in Aramaic and Latin, languages that were spoken then, which made the film all the more realistic (albeit with English subtitles).
Picture posted by Imagine - The Scourging of Jesus (The Vision by Anne Katherine Emmerich)

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DfTQlpCHaAMzqPSAyyJHFaxbTaiPDJtZdTKOknrRkIy_YaUI298RphkwXh5ESCmpifZ-zLak93uxd5L4Tfa3JNqDLdL7ig3vxE3hQj95l3w_868rWWTsllgU_6NPj-XFPuhXhIxEsZSgkabHL80M_eqpm_2H_8naSqMeWSaOADnqYSmrQGX7G8aRvx8/s1070/jesus.jpg
https://widdolphus88.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/jesus.jpg
https://widdolphus88.wordpress.com/2014/04/27/the-scourging-of-jesus-the-vision-by-anne-katherine-emmerich/



On the other hand, critics have accused the film of excessive violence, and anti-Semitism in its unflattering portrayal of the Jewish religious leaders. Some also found fault with the film's reliance on extrabiblical inspiration, such as the writings of Anne Catherine Emmerich, a 19th-century Catholic nun. Director and producer Mel Gibson, an
avowed (declared) Roman Catholic, also infused (filled) the film with a distinctly Catholic flavour, with elements such as the stations of the cross, the origin of the Turin shroud, the prominent role of Mary, and scenes reminiscent of Michelangelo's Pieta (a picture or sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding the dead body of Christ on her lap or in her arms).

We cannot expect a two-hour film depicting Christ's passion to limit itself to biblical material alone. A scriptwriter who used only the biblical text for setting and dialogue would run out of material in less than an hour. It is therefore given that the material for such a film would come not only from biblical texts, but also from tradition and artistic imagination. If we accept this, then we need not expect anything less from the film or dismiss it too readily.


On the other hand, critics have accused the film of excessive violence, and anti-Semitism in its unflattering portrayal of the Jewish religious leaders.
PHOTO: On the other hand, critics have accused the film of excessive violence, and anti-Semitism in its unflattering portrayal of the Jewish religious leaders. Some also found fault with the film's reliance on extrabiblical inspiration, such as the writings of Anne Catherine Emmerich, a 19th-century Catholic nun. Director and producer Mel Gibson, an avowed (declared) Roman Catholic, also infused (filled) the film with a distinctly Catholic flavour, with elements such as the stations of the cross, the origin of the Turin shroud, the prominent role of Mary, and scenes reminiscent of Michelangelo's Pieta (a picture or sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding the dead body of Christ on her lap or in her arms).
Picture posted by His Pierced Hands - Stations of the Cross
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOdi5YbwwdO7Fss_EuCFsjsYRC6NP2oqK4U3PeEU-YhsGWNhcKJBvxCgPXDxRxbaJYhMlW6dZwm9ugeIdyAAiebYg3OwQCPS7sSf5JNy3cXYSXu2Mg6zfSWn5nlDO9iiOvbZ7vvooBtwj72SQ3kklhnvT6qvBGe1YeGevWPbWUhFDmaILrWFx66VZph8/s1917/crucified-Christ-bloody.png
https://i0.wp.com/www.piercedhands.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/crucified-Christ-bloody.jpg?ssl=1
https://www.piercedhands.com/tag/stations-of-the-cross/



It is clear, nonetheless, that the film's extrabiblical sources and some of its artistic licence constitute weakness. Its failure to show more of Jesus, what He taught and did, and its all too brief portrayal of Christ's resurrection may also be seen as weakness. But the film is resolute in focusing on the passion of Christ. No doubt, as a medium, the film has limits. Whether such films exist or not, the gospel of Christ mut be preached, and preached clearly, for
faith comes from hearing (Romans 10:14-15, 17).

The key question is whether the film helps us to encounter Christ or forms a barrier to that encounter.

Do we really need to focus on Christ's physical suffering? Isn't it enough to know that He died on the cross to save us from our sins? Is giving too much attention to the physical aspects of the passion, like in the annual re-enactments of the crucifixion in the Philippines by some, a distraction from the truth of Christ's death for us?


The key question is whether the film helps us to encounter Christ or forms a barrier to that encounter.
PHOTO: The key question is whether the film helps us to encounter Christ or forms a barrier to that encounter.
Do we really need to focus on Christ's physical suffering? Isn't it enough to know that He died on the cross to save us from our sins? Is giving too much attention to the physical aspects of the passion, like in the annual re-enactments of the crucifixion in the Philippines by some, a distraction from the truth of Christ's death for us?
Picture posted by soundcloud.com
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir857JzHmw1jc2KI_-WcITccWcVtmoNjOOn1xY83doRIo-Pke6HJJd9KZ69_cWqM-EPdAfWal4I2vc4jkOGb2NWPcwNfX-3ylUML8dgKzuScs8hD3teTwLHIhuTlGeh2xGNTf56Y6b5bYom6s0oSp_GDoYwxySN3yfBLTTBFK_1c2Ti6C5GBJuMV_K96I/s1000/artworks-000076906283-axbe2n-t500x500-1000x1000_1.jpg
https://i1.sndcdn.com/artworks-000076906283-axbe2n-t500x500.jpg
https://soundcloud.com/user382473028/sets/para-predica



That Jesus suffered physically for us is a truth recorded in Scripture. He was
bound (Mark 15:1), spat on, blindfolded, punched (Mark 14:65), beaten (Luke 22:63), and flogged (Mark 15:15). He had a crown of thorns pressed on His head, was then beaten on the head with a staff (Mark 15:17-19), and finally suffered an unimaginably painful and agonising death by crucifixion (John 19:18). As if all that was not enough, Jesus was mocked, insulted, and publicly humiliated. These biblical passages were given flesh and blood by the film. The graphic nature of the scene made it difficult to watch what Jesus must have gone through, but they put to rest the familiar images of a crucified but serene Lord, who seemed as though the cross was no big deal for Him.

The biblical depiction of Christ's suffering is reflected in our ancient creeds. In the Apostles' Creed, we confess that Jesus "
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and buried . . . The third day He rose again from the dead". Jesus suffered greatly for us. We cannot treat His sufferings lightly or dismiss them as unimportant. Didn't the prophet Isaiah declare that "by His wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5)?


The biblical depiction of Christ's suffering is reflected in our ancient creeds.
PHOTO: The biblical depiction of Christ's suffering is reflected in our ancient creeds. In the Apostles' Creed, we confess that Jesus "suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and buried . . . The third day He rose again from the dead". Jesus suffered greatly for us. We cannot treat His sufferings lightly or dismiss them as unimportant. Didn't the prophet Isaiah declare that "by His wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5)?
Picture posted by Jerry W Hulse on 27 December 2023
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2b-yn6fZ1XnT2nN6mE479sHgfUA9GPo2AQvJUx7kBdLWvOTMGxETEiSKZUNmLpWM_HcSsLzKQFbyr_EALofFZWvI1vkZdyERH1vf16KaIlHsnK-vT-uLSluxcgjExz6QUt7Zm_fuQ8XyjHOyT_vWY-VCAl1fBfZQOXBMiQZSCWqQgFLR-8RbT0yim6s/s700/MTgxMzQ3NTg3NjcwOTQyODIz_1.png
https://images.saymedia-content.com/.image/c_limit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cq_auto:eco%2Cw_700/MTgxMzQ3NTg3NjcwOTQyODIz/jesus-the-other-adam.webp
https://discover.hubpages.com/religion-philosophy/Jesus-the-Other-Adam



While few people have physically suffered the same way Jesus did, those sufferings were not unique; in Christ;s day, the Roman empire used crucifixion to punish criminals and insurgents. Today's examples of physical torture may not be far removed from what we see in the film. Therefore, what relevance does Jesus' suffering have for us? First,
it shows the extent to which He went to save us. It brings us to the depths of His love. For those who suffer physical pain and torture, as with Christians in similar circumstances throughout the ages, Christ's suffering become a source of comfort - He personally knows their experience.

If it is true that some suffered like Christ did, it is equally true that no one died like He did. His death was unique. His was the death of the God-Man, the Son of God,
the one whose death on the cross put to death all other deaths. Through His death, we are saved from our sins. He bore the burden of the world's sins and suffered utter loneliness when the Father turned His face away from the sins of the world placed on His Son. He fully suffered the penalty of sin on our behalf. No one could die like Him. The men in the Good Friday pageants in the Philippines may be flogged and have their hands pierced by nails and be crucified on crosses. They can mimic the physical sufferings of Christ but cannot mimic His death. His death is unique because He is unique.


f it is true that some suffered like Christ did, it is equally true that no one died like He did.
PHOTO: If it is true that some suffered like Christ did, it is equally true that no one died like He did. His death was unique. His was the death of the God-Man, the Son of God, the one whose death on the cross put to death all other deaths. Through His death, we are saved from our sins. He bore the burden of the world's sins and suffered utter loneliness when the Father turned His face away from the sins of the world placed on His Son. He fully suffered the penalty of sin on our behalf. No one could die like Him. The men in the Good Friday pageants in the Philippines may be flogged and have their hands pierced by nails and be crucified on crosses. They can mimic the physical sufferings of Christ but cannot mimic His death. His death is unique because He is unique.
Picture posted by Samuel Aina, Smile Keys
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKE69yRYWjoblMCQarsl_Nx3In5AcOjnLhm8t1mQ2F98EkNmtHmhO7cavk0FknLNk3hS5mUGe5aQeDnnwe8Mo2IeJxg9xRI2UuovXkKQV4GYxAMqe3fiMlQG27DjqI4vCNMJ9hVyBgYCSg20zKLyM8Uh4_45zNl7Mhwe1JL7QScpiMewLZKSMIg-RFlY/s1091/Died-for-Us.jpg
https://smilekeys.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Died-for-Us.jpg
https://smilekeys.com/humility-of-the-highest-order/



The Passion, despite its imperfections, somehow does what Paul said: "Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified" (Galatians 3:1). Our response is crucial. I have heard some, Christians and non-Christians alike, say how moved they were by the film. But to be moved emotionally is one thing, and to realise that Christ's sufferings and death were for them is another. In the film, the hand that drove a nail into Christ's palm belonged to Gibson himself, the point being that each of us is responsible for Christ's suffering. This truth may allay (reduce) the fears of those who think the film is anti-Semitic. The film, in fact, points its finger squarely in the direction of the watcher. We must realise that Christ died for you and for me.

The Passion, despite its imperfections, somehow does what Paul said:
PHOTO: The Passion, despite its imperfections, somehow does what Paul said: "Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified" (Galatians 3:1). Our response is crucial. I have heard some, Christians and non-Christians alike, say how moved they were by the film. But to be moved emotionally is one thing, and to realise that Christ's sufferings and death were for them is another. In the film, the hand that drove a nail into Christ's palm belonged to Gibson himself, the point being that each of us is responsible for Christ's suffering. This truth may allay (reduce) the fears of those who think the film is anti-Semitic. The film, in fact, points its finger squarely in the direction of the watcher. We must realise that Christ died for you and for me.
Picture posted by Congressman Mark Green on Friday, 10 April 2020 at 10:30 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGax5cfWg4hyphenhyphenTHoMyAMEm-RV1RCrlN3XBtph-1OndicvY4SA4sZgE9-Hs1TY7H984hbkuaXoZg6NDuXAllP0NTzr7cDPf6jxG9eGqvPGllzxIQcbqrUvENHG4OmSiU1-tJF1c47G1z8ECqx_rb97nGjxxUqNECop3Iy-aux3pO6nNwfzzeJGPxQMa9I_c/s1297/92555770_886024085177787_204776975452078080_n.jpg
https://scontent.fsin14-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/92555770_886024085177787_204776975452078080_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=t8Q_1p5CnrEAb7qMSTE&_nc_ht=scontent.fsin14-2.fna&oh=00_AfDIbjx1ffQgiprwTM_gdOiINlD7YHesklIKH9fr2F7BjQ&oe=6641FB2E
https://www.facebook.com/RepMarkGreenTN/photos/a.580078579105674/886024078511121/?type=3



The film graphically depicts how Jesus was tortured and humiliated for us. Is it violent? Yes, it shows how the victim, the Lamb of God, was brutally beaten, tortured, and crucified. Does it glorify violence through senseless brutality? No, since
the film's hero suffers spine-chilling violence but responds non-violently. He loves those who beat Him and dies for them. He glorifies love and sacrifice, not violence. No matter what they did to Him, only love was found in His heart. He gives a lesson that must be learned by all. Jesus on the cross is not only our sacrificial lamb, but also our model. To follow Him will not be easy. We squirm in our seats as we watch the film, not only because of what Jesus suffered but also because we wonder whether we would have the faith, courage, and love to follow His footsteps if we were similarly tortured. Our Lord is the one who invites us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him (Luke 9:23).


The film graphically depicts how Jesus was tortured and humiliated for us.
PHOTO: The film graphically depicts how Jesus was tortured and humiliated for us. Is it violent? Yes, it shows how the victim, the Lamb of God, was brutally beaten, tortured, and crucified. Does it glorify violence through senseless brutality? No, since the film's hero suffers spine-chilling violence but responds non-violently. He loves those who beat Him and dies for them. He glorifies love and sacrifice, not violence. No matter what they did to Him, only love was found in His heart. He gives a lesson that must be learned by all. Jesus on the cross is not only our sacrificial lamb, but also our model. To follow Him will not be easy. We squirm in our seats as we watch the film, not only because of what Jesus suffered but also because we wonder whether we would have the faith, courage, and love to follow His footsteps if we were similarly tortured. Our Lord is the one who invites us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him (Luke 9:23).
Picture posted by Mikedaroza on 18 April 2014
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazvyqvJqIldCDCDkUjJRsF3wC_C43p4V4wmMiJVWWZYscHLaCfa2PjnsVSJ2iZPQ2siYgWltO0J-5jIVsl6pSIr9U55LY0zU0_Y4FK3-TLqnxMO2zUrboTUPl7gHYCBc_ghbJ5-E_PYaYbyyULHx74jurYqSV31cg9Ige5knhpkVOCNzz9cy7sw_gD0g/s1041/jesus-being-flogged.jpg
https://achanginggrace.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/jesus-being-flogged.jpg
https://achanginggrace.wordpress.com/2014/04/18/dont-let-guilt-replace-the-good-in-good-friday/



This film, like all films, can be seen as entertainment or a work of art. But because it depicts the passion of Christ, we Christians are especially interested. It is not Scripture and therefore has many imperfections; it should not be made a fifth gospel. But it carries a true story larger than itself or its director. It is the story of Jesus of Nazareth, and the film is dominated by Him crucified. If it ceases to be mere entertainment, if it makes people ask who this Jesus is, if the cinema screen fades to become a window to the greatest mystery on earth: that God would lay down His life for our sins, if it draws us closer to the Christ who loves us without limits, if it produces not applause but worship of the shepherd of our souls who sacrificed himself for us, if it produces not fans but disciples of Christ, if it makes viewers say, "
Lord, You went through all that for me; help me to follow You and Your way." - then this film is indeed a blessing. Whenever we deal with the story of Christ, we deal with holy mystery. He is larger than art forms and films. He invites us to encounter Him and respond to Him - as He takes us to the cross, to the empty tomb, and to the right hand of the Father in heaven.

"
Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again!" May the truths of Good Friday and Easter, as we mark them in church, draws us closer to the one who will return in glory.


Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again!
PHOTO: "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again!" May the truths of Good Friday and Easter, as we mark them in church, draws us closer to the one who will return in glory.
Picture posted in Pinterest
 

Dear Lord
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, we pray that the film The Passion of the Christ makes us say, 'Lord, You went through all that for me; help me to follow You and Your way.'

Lord, whenever we deal with the story of Christ, we deal with holy mystery. He is larger than art forms and films. He invites us to encounter Him and respind to Him - as He takes us to the cross, to the empty tomb, and to the right hand of the Father in heaven.

'Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again!' May the truths of Good Friday and Easter, as we mark them in church, draws us closer to the one who will return in glory.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
"
Picture posted by Christianity

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKpwinKwjE4eXGmDfJi7Thw_W-qqF7rjKuyc_SxrooLPXTn91lJAI_LKxamCuGxJJLnjzlgaiDNKMGYejwjAjYxmqYzca61LvQpP8zvXnxCB51OEzcyhu5GSRmqXpVE2brKS3SrqvdLmS1Sb1LCw1Ft1omFx5O62uLyHGvKJlrRSsRWzlCEjShXusBOI/s1920/47893edcff8bb7f21424c120439fc41b.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/47/89/3e/47893edcff8bb7f21424c120439fc41b.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/580682945733278078/


Reflection - Walking With Christ - The Mystery Of God Dying
Source (book): "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Chapter 17, "The Mystery Of God Dying", Page 95.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012




"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, ©
2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020

https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
 

"Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part.html
 

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part_9.html
 

"Teach Us to Number Our Days", © 2008 by David Roper

Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/11/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-1-40.html
 
 
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/03/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-41.html
 
 
"He Walks with Me - Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God",  © 2018 by Our Daily Bread Ministries, Shelly Beach

Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/08/reflection-he-walks-with-me-links.html
 

"Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries

Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 1 - 45 (Links), posted on 03 April 2023
Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 1 - 45 (Links), posted on 03 April 2023
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/04/reflection-classic-gem-chapter-1-45.html

 
"Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries

Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 46 - 90 (Links), posted on
Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 46 - 90 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 24 October 2023
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/10/reflection-classic-gem-chapter-46-90.html



Reference
[1] From "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Copyright @ 2022 by Robert M. Solomon, Chapter 17, "The Mystery Of God Dying", Page 95.


Links


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