Center of the Controversy
February 26, 2004
By Rev.
Todd Crofford
Sr. Pastor
Laurel Wesleyan Church
You can’t turn on any talk show or catch any newscast without reference to the
controversy of “The Passion of the Christ.” This movie, just released yesterday,
has fans and detractors talking the world over. But the controversy is not about
what you might think.
The controversy is not over violence. Any regular moviegoer can list scores of
movies with horrific and gratuitous violence without any outcry from the public.
In turn, the controversy is not about anti-Semitism. Respected Jewish,
Christian, and secular leaders have watched the movie and most have declared it
is not anti-Semitic. The current mindset within Christianity is a great love for
the Jewish people and a widespread recognition that Judaism is the root from
which the Christian branch has sprung. Every time Gibson is asked who is to
“blame” for the crucifixion, he lays responsibility on the sins of all people-
including himself- for the sacrificial death of Christ.
The controversy is not over Mel Gibson. A wealthy actor has the right to spend
his money to make a film of his choosing; and while Gibson is certainly a
colorful character, he is not that unusual in the realms of Hollywood.
The controversy is in the same place it has always been. It surrounds Jesus. His
life, death, and resurrection remain the great dividing line of history.
His 33 year life splits the calendar of time into B.C. (before Christ), and
A.D.; (short for the Latin “In the year of our Lord.”) His teachings remain the
most famous of all time, and references to a “prodigal son”, a “good Samaritan”,
the “golden rule” and so many others are sprinkled through our language. Even
the name Jesus is taken in vain daily the world over, and called upon in deepest
umbrage even more.
Jesus knew his life would be controversial. People have sided up over him for
years. As an eight day old baby, a prophet in the temple said of him, “This
child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel.” (Luke
2:34)
The one who was dubbed the Prince of Peace himself warned that there would be
division because of him. He even referred to conflict between “father and son”
and “mother and daughter.” (Luke 12:53)
Ultimately, the division over Jesus is about his death. Jesus claimed three
things about his death around which people side up.
First, his death was for the sins of all mankind. What Jesus did on the cross
was pay for our sins so that we could be set free. His blood covers the sins of
all who believe in him and ask for forgiveness..
This leads to his second claim. He could only accomplish this because he was
God. Never miss that this was the “crime” for which Jesus was ultimately killed.
No other prophet claimed that, and no other religion builds itself around one
who declared himself to be fully God. Jesus did. (John 10:30)
Finally, the third amazing statement is that Jesus not only chose to lay down
his life, but that he would rise again. His sacrificial death led to his
successful resurrection. Christians world over celebrate both his death and his
resurrection. Because he is victor over death, we too can know eternal life.
Already theaters around the country are sold out for much of opening week. Like
me, thousands will flock to see this movie because it is about Jesus. But long
after this movie disappears from theaters, Jesus will remain controversial. But
let me ask you, “What do you think about him?”
The views expressed do not necessarily represent those of Site One
Networks, Inc, the congregation of
the Laurel Wesleyan Church or the Wesleyan Church International. You may respond
to the author directly by E-mailing laurelwesleyan@siteone.net
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