Glad or Numb?

In previous weblogs, I have already pointed out that Mel Gibson’s film deviates unacceptably from the biblical script dozens of times. But I have not yet addressed (perhaps) the most important aspect of all. That concerns the question of whether the movie audience actually hears the EVANGEL of God. Certainly, we see a Jesus who is tortured and dies gruesomely. At the beginning, it is also shown that He was “wounded because of our transgressions” (a quotation from Isaiah). But does the audience also hear that, precisely because of this Man’s suffering, God will save THE WHOLE WORLD?? For that, and nothing less, is the Evangel of God’s GRACE.

The cross tells us: no enmity is so great that God’s love is ALWAYS many times greater still!
The cross tells us: the price has been paid for you – you ARE His possession!
The cross tells us: whether you believe it or not – this Jesus is YOUR Savior!

After the film, everyone seems numbed by all the violence.
If the film had truly been EVANGEL, people would have left the theater deeply impressed by God’s all-conquering LOVE.

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