In a few weeks a new film will hit the cinema screens. It has been described as ‘deeply moving, powerful and disturbing’.  (The UK release date is 26th March).  The film has been produced by Mel Gibson, who is better known for his starring roles in films like ‘Braveheart’ and ‘Lethal Weapon’. 

This new film, called ‘The Passion of Christ’, has been about twelve years coming to fruition and is being billed as the most accurate and authentic portrayal of the last days of Jesus ever to be made.  It is sure to be controversial and to attract objections from various sources. In America the film has been given an ‘R’ rating which means that anyone under 17 can only see it if accompanied by an adult.  The reason for this is the graphic violence of some of the subject matter.

We have become accustomed to the Easter story being accompanied by chocolate eggs and rabbits. We forget that it is really about whips and nails – torture, death, and sacrifice. It is about a man willingly submitting to the agony of crucifixion.  A man with a mission. The fact is that thousands of people were crucified all over the Roman Empire – so why do we still remember this one man?  What marks him out as different?  Why, 2,000 years later, do so many people still model their lives on his teaching and worship him as God? Why is he worthy of yet another film about his death?

‘The Passion of Christ’  sets out to answer some of those questions. The death of Jesus on the cross, and his resurrection three days later, are the central facts of the Gospel and the heart of the Christian faith.  I can’t say I am looking forward to this film – but I do intend to see it, because I want to have a better understanding of what this man, Jesus, was willing to suffer on my behalf.  His death has deep spiritual meaning and significance for everyone on the planet.  His resurrection from death sounds a triumphant note of hope for all mankind. There is more to life than is found in our merely secular philosophies.  The word ‘gospel’ means ‘good news’. We could all do with some of that!

You don’t need to wait for the film to find out about Jesus; he is the main feature every week at your local church. Why not come along?  Or you may like to read the book of the film, which is still the world’s number one bestseller after nearly 2,000 years!

• Peter Wells

P.S. Since first writing this article I have seen some very negative reactions to the film in the press. On Tuesday 9th March I shall be going to a preview of the film.  Following that I shall try to share my own impressions of it on this site, and perhaps be in a position to answer some of the criticisms.

If you have any comments about the film please feel free to contact me at peter.wells@lodechapel.org.uk