The Passion of the Christ

Jodi and I went to see Mel Gibson’s movie last night (Ash Wednesday) at 10:30. We expected a long line, and so we arrived at about 9:00pm. As we waited in front of the theater room, we observed some behavior that neither of us had seen before. Some people prayed. There were a few people who left the theater entirely. At least one man came out of the theater room, walked around for a few minutes, then re-entered. He did not use the restroom, nor get any food or drink; he just walked. The current showing ended, and we watched faces as viewers exited. Most were filled with tears. Some were sobbing uncontrollably.
Then we entered. The theater was buzzing. Most of the crowd was in their mid to late twenties, probably because of the late showing. There was an excitement in the room; a kind of nervous anticipation of what was to come. The screen quietly played the usual commercials; M&Ms, arena football, some NBC commercials. Promptly at 10:30, the lights dimmed. No trailers, here we go.
I had heard that the film was violent. I’ve read accounts of what a scourging and crucifixion was like. Nothing prepared me for what I was about to see. The film starts with Jesus in the Garden of Olives, praying under so much stress that He is sweating blood. Satan is there, tempting Christ, telling Him that no man can carry the burdens of the entire world’s sin. The context is set. The buzz in the theater has died down now. Judas gives Jesus a kiss, and He is taken into custody. As Jesus is taken he is beaten. The punches and kicks are brutal, but the film is fairly tame in its portrayal of the violence up to this point. But…
Jesus is sentenced to a flogging. He is taken to a courtyard, where he is shackled to a large stump about three feet tall. His clothes, save a loin cloth, are removed. Four soldiers take reeds and beat Jesus in a frenzy for what seemed to be 50 lashes. The viewers are stunned or sobbing. Myself included. They are ordered to stop reeds, but to take up lashes, laced with metal spikes and hooks designed to tear flesh. One of the soldiers demonstrates its use by striking the table of the man overseeing the proceedings. It becomes embedded in the wood. I’ll not describe the next few scenes. There was a sense of obligation in watching the scourging, as though we should watch. Why turn away from the truth? The camera doesn’t flinch at the reality of the circumstances. (Don’t misunderstand me – I don’t feel like anyone is obligated to see the film, or once in the theater, are obligated to keep their eyes open. In fact, I would say to those averse to violence in film, they should skip this one.)
Christ suffered the most horrific death anyone can imagine. I doubt that many have suffered so much. The story is especially on the human side of Christ’s suffering. I cannot imagine the spiritual, emotional suffering He endured. I don’t want to imagine it.
Shall I give away the ending? A spoiler? I’ll just say that Jesus is victorious!!