YOU MUST BE THE FIRST TO SEE IT.

“THE PASSION” by Mel Gibson

Everyone who is anyone you can trust in the Christian world is enthusiastically recommending this movie! James Dobson, Rick Warren said: “a cinematic masterpiece! I would encourage you to use it as an outreach tool within your community.”,* Billy Graham said: “A lifetime of sermons in one movie!” Pope Paul II said “It is as it was”. Cardinal George Pell (in fact any Christian who has seen it) became an enthusiastic advocate, recommending the film to all. As I do to you.

The official “The Passion” website in the UK is experiencing from 80 up to 120 million hits a day. What an incredible achievement. This film has shaken the Internet generation; stirred up by a film and a fact – that Jesus died and rose again, 2000 years ago. These would be in the main young men who are checking it out via the web. Two Christian businessmen in Australia bought 10 000 tickets to give their friends and enemies!

Ordinary Christians are instantly galvanised into action and outreach once they have seen the film.

Preview showing ratings by Hollywood bean counters shows that this film’s attendances are surpassed only by “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.

Christian leaders world wide are saying this will open up people evrywhere to the central fact of the gospel of Jesus Christ – Jesus dying on the Cross to forgive our sins.

Murfreesboro Tennessee World Outreach Pastor says: “This is not just an evangelistic opportunity but a great wake-up call for the Church.”

I sat with an Iranian friend who understood the spoken words – his mother tongue is Aramaic – both of us wept through most of the film. A Jewish Rabbi discussed the anti-semitism aspect with me a few days before: “Those who are anti-Jewish will be more so. But the film is not anti-Jewish. I didn’t find it so. In fact, the film lays the blame on the few individuals who dominated the Temple Council of that time. It even shows some members of the Council disagreeing and protesting the illegality of Jesus trial by night. It must have been like that in fact.” Mary the mother of Jesus is magnificent, and Jewish – her name is Maia Morgenstern.

THE MOST GRAPHIC PORTRAYAL OF THE CROSS IN ALL OF HISTORY

There has never been such a graphic portrayal of the crucifiction in all of history (except for those who witnessed the original event). The Australian film censor’s MA rating is less than the US film rating of “R”. For people of our day who have not read the Bible, listened to a sermon or been told by anyone of Jesus, here is God’s canvas, painted as only a believing film star could have done, showing the heart of our gospel in Christ and the Cross. What a moment in history! The words of a popular chorus say: “I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon the Cross”; when you’ve seen this film, you’ll know.

YOU MUST BE READY!

Get ready … be among the first to see the film from Wednesday the 25th February.

Get ready … let the film bring you face-to-face with what Jesus did for you.

Get ready to give an answer as to what you understand about the Cross – your friends and enemies will be powerfully impacted – but profoundly puzzled by the film. They will see, but you must explain. What they have never heard is the simple message of the Gospel. This is your chance. Give your friends your testimony of Jesus in your heart and life. The Holy Spirit and the film have prepared their hearts.

It will be a mystery. The Holy Spirit will convict them. Then you will have the privilege of helping the Holy Spirit. What He says in their heart, you will explain in their hearing, giving meaning to the message. Then you can invite them to receive Christ as their personal Saviour. Seize this day! Be ready.

WHEN YOU HAVE SEEN THE FILM, YOU MUST READ THE BOOK

I was privileged to see it two days ago. I am still reeling from the impact. But determined to let Jesus use this film and me to the maximum to reach this generation.

The graphic, unrelenting violence of the lashing and the awful horror of the crucifixion paints an agonising picture of what it must have really been like for Jesus. This is a film seeking truthfully to repeat what actually happened to Him; succeeding with astounding impact. Chrstians know that Jesus bore an even greater suffering which began in the Garden of Gethsemane – the spiritual weight of all the sins of all humankind from Adam, Eve and Cain to the end of all sinful humankind on earth. And my sins as well. Jesus carried this awesome spiritual burden as well, increasing and heightening the brutal physical suffering He endured. It was all for us.

Isaiah said:

“At first everyone was appalled.

He didn’t even look human-

a ruined face, disfigured past recognition.

Nations all over the world will be in awe, taken aback,

kings shocked into silence when they see him.

For what was unheard of they’ll see with their own eyes,

what was unthinkable they’ll have right before them.”

Isaiah 52:14-15 (MsgB)

The NIV says: “His appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man, and His form marred beyond any human likeness!” And then to a generation who has “seen it all” but never read the Bible or heard a preacher, he prophecies: “Kings will shut their mouths because of Him. For what they were not told they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand!”

I began early next morning to read and study my Bible. I read every scripture that I could remember. Isaiah 53. Matthew chapters 26,27,28. Luke Philippians ch.2. Galatians 3:1 “Before your very eyes Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified!” Until I saw this film, I had never before seen what Mel Gibson portrayed of the horrifying tortures Jesus endured. My imagination was never as graphic as Gibson’s Hollywood-trained blood-and-shock artist; but because every moment of the film was so realistic, I felt riveted to the seat. All the time thinking: “It must actually have been like this! I must know what it was like!”

MEL GIBSON’S PART IN THE MOVIE.

We might have expected the world famous actor to give himself an important part. Instead, but one appearance; his are the hands that hold the nail and hammer that strike into the hands of Jesus. Mel Gibson answers the question: “Who killed Jesus?” He tells us by this act, “I did! My sin nailed Jesus to the Cross. His love for me, a sinner, caused Him to obey the command of My Heavenly Father, and lay down His life for sinners. I am the one. I am the greatest of sinners! God so loved, as Father loves His wayward children.

So that is why Jesus chose to lay down His life. He wanted to do what God wanted. “I always do the things that please Him.”

Mel Gibson’s part is also our part, in reality.

“My sins are to blame. With my own hands and heart I crucified Jesus!”

That is our message. “I am a sinner, and so are you, but Jesus died for sinners! Turn to Jesus. Believe, and receive eternal life now.”

“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him

who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he

has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24

We are of humankind who always want to shift the blame – “All others are to blame. I am innocent!” But by confessing you are a sinner and responsible for the death of Jesus you are proclaiming the Gospel. It was the love of God and Jesus which caused God to reach out, sending Jesus to suffer.

The Jews living today are not to blame. Some members of the governing council who arrested Jesus are certainly to blame for making false accusations, but that does not give reason to blame others in Jerusalem who knew nothing of the events that night.

DID JESUS KNOW AND BELIEVE AND SAY HE IS THE CHRIST, THE MESSIAH, GOD IN THE FORM OF MAN?

Yes, He did. Clearly. Several times. Even Jesus’ sworn enemies, the Sanhedrin and the High Priest testify that Jesus said: “I am the Son of God, the Messiah!” That statement became the basis of the charge that Jesus had blasphemed. So Jesus did say it, Jesus claimed to be the Messiah, God’s one and only Son. The Saviour!”

YOU MUST GIVE AN ANSWER

The questions will come from all kinds of people around you. People who trust you because they have seen your life is different. They will say: “You’re a Christian, aren’t you? Did you see the film?”

and then the questions begin…

Newsweek magazine (17th Feb.2004) asks..

“Who really killed Jesus?”

Was it “the Jews” No. Some members of the ruling Jerusalen Temple Council of the day were to blame, but Jesus forgave them all, so must we.

Was Judas to blame? Yes. But for betraying him, not for murder. Tragically he never asked forgiveness, and died by his own hand. But Jesus did not condemn him, calling him “friend” even as he was being betrayed by Judas’ kiss.

Were the Roman soldiers to blame? No. They were instruments of a brutal regime but not the cause. Was it Pontius Pilate? Jesus absolves him of the main blame: “Those who delivered me over to you have the greater guilt.”

Were the 11 disciples to blame? They slept when they should have prayed, fled when they should have stood, denied and disowned when they should have affirmed, used the sword while Jesus submitted to violence. Jesus did not condemn Peter when He looked straight at him. Rather with that look, Jesus reminded Peter what he would do after he had denied the Lord. After this sifting by satan, he would repent and strengthen his brother-disciples. (Luke 22:61;22:28-32)

Was the Father to blame? It was His will for Christ to suffer: Isaiah says: “It was the Lord’s will to crush Him and cause Him to suffer…for He bore the sins of many, and made intercession for the transgressors (that’s us – all sinners).” Isaiah 53:10,12. In Matt.26:31 The Father “strikes the Shepherd, and the sheep are scattered.” No, the Father loves the whole world, and He lets Jesus make His own decision about laying

down His life.

Was Jesus to blame? Perhaps some feel Jesus provoked the Temple Council too much, and only got what He deserved. Jesus said: “Nobody takes my life from me. I lay it down on my own initiative!” (NASB) Some wondered; “Will He commit suicide?” But Jesus talked about the task He wanted to finish: “All who believe in the Son of Man will be saved. None will perish!” and He did so on the Cross: “It is accomplished!” He said.

Rick Warren’s team members Lee Strobel and Gary Poole have put together a Stduy Guide using film clips… These are the 6 lessons, each begins with a burning Question…

. Who Really Killed Jesus? . What Crime Did Jesus Commit? . Did It Really Happen Like That? . Why Did Jesus Suffer and Die? . What Did the Resurrection Accomplish? . How Is This Story Relevant to Me?

These and other questions will create your opportunity to reach people who have been closed to the gospel until now, and bring others who have been uncommitted to ask the most important questions anyone can ask in time and eternity.

HOW CAN WE ANSWER THEM?

Read the Bible afresh and study every part that talks of Jesus sufferings. Then sit and immerse yourself in the crucifixion for the next days and weeks. Seek to understand fully the meaning of the cross and be ready to explain it. Prepare your heart to live in the Cross yourself, so you can give an answer to every man that asks you.”

YOU MUST CARRY YOUR CROSS

To be identified as a disciple of Jesus Christ, you must not be ashamed of Him or what He did on the Cross. You must not flee or fight, give in or hide your light. Stand up now for Jesus. Identify yourself as the one who killed Jesus.

GET SOME STUDY NOTES AND BRING YOUR FRIENDS INTO A STUDY GROUP AT WORK AT HOME OR ANYWHERE

Telll them their answers are the most important thing they have ever asked about, and it takes time to give them the answers and the evidence in scripture. Listen to their questions. Research and compile the Bible answers; then read the scriptures with them.

The Bible Society has prepared some good free materials in a study pack.

Read Isaiah 53, the last chapters in the four Gospels, Luke 9:22-26; 22:37Philippians 2:1-11;3:10. Matt. 26:28; 1 Peter 1:18-20;3:18. Rev. 1:5;5:9;7:14. John chs.6,7,8,,12,13,15,16.

ANSWERS IN THE SCRIPTURES THAT EXPLAIN THE PASSION.

Who killed Jesus? No one agent was responsible. God our Father so loved every human being that He planned humankind’s return to God by sacrificing the life of His Son Jesus, “to bring many sons into glory” (Hebrews 2:10;13:12). Jesus with the Father planned our salvation by removing all sin from humankind, placing the guilt and blame and punishment of breaking God’s law on Him. Jesus willingly agreed and accepted the plan of God. God loved the world and commanded; Jesus laid down His own life because He wanted to please the Father at all times. Isaiah prophesied: “It was God’s will to crush Him and cause Him to suffer” (Isaiah 53:10). Jesus renounced the use of power to save Himself.”I could call in hundreds of thousands of angels, but I won’t!”

Jesus came to seek and to save all those who are lost.

You, me, and all nations, tribes, religions and peoples of all generations.

* Rick Warren is using “The Passion” as a great outreach tool. He is http://www.pastors.com/pcom/specials/passionmessages.asp

So, see the film. Study the Bible. Open your heart to God. And reach out to people with your testimony and the meaning of the suffering of Jesus on the Cross!

Sent out with prayers for you to be a blessing to many!

Pastor Harry Leesment Encouragement Enterprises Inc. PO Box 164 CHARNWOOD A.C.T. Australia 2615