February, 2004 Newsletter

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The Passion of the Christ

Over the last couple of months there has been much discussion generated over the movie The Passion of the Christ which will be opening in theaters to the general public on February 25, 2004. Though the statement that this is “perhaps the best outreach opportunity in 2000 years” may be an overstatement, the fact that this is perhaps the best outreach opportunity for the year 2004 is not. Check out a few of the endorsements for this movie:

“After watching ‘The Passion of the Christ,’ I feel as if I have actually been there.
I was moved to tears. I doubt if there has ever been a more graphic and moving
presentation of Jesus’ death and resurrection.”
Billy Graham
President, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

“It is deeply moving, powerful, and disturbing. A film that must be seen.”
James Dobson
Chairman, Focus on the Family

“The Passion will stun audiences and create an incredible appetite for people
to know more about Jesus. I urge Christians to invite their spiritually seeking
friends to see this movie with them …”
Lee Strobel
Former Atheist
Author, The Case for Christ and The Case for Faith

The above are only a few of the many endorsements that The Passion of the Christ is receiving. This movie was directed, co-written and bankrolled by Mel Gibson who has said that this is “most difficult film” he has ever done. Yet he said that this is probably the most important film he has ever made. As I write this article two weeks before the movie’s opening, the presale tickets for The Passion of the Christ is number one on Fandango, an online service, accounting for nineteen percent of the sales even as early as a month before its opening.

But due to the graphic depiction of Jesus Christ’s scourging and crucifixion, this movie has received an R rating. Obviously, due to all the endorsements from reputable leaders, I would recommend this movie to all adults. But what about the children? Well, it has been suggested that children from age twelve and below not be allowed to watch this movie because the graphic scenes might be too much for such youngsters to take. What are some parents doing? Some parents are going to preview the movie first before deciding whether to let their children watch it or not. Some parents are going in two separate cars so that one parent can take the kids home if they feel that the movie is making their children too squeamish.

Rarely, will I ever promote an R rated movie to teens (thirteen to seventeen years of age), but this movie is an exception due to the fact that The Passion of the Christ will be presenting the reality of the suffering that Jesus Christ endured for us. Unfortunately, I am also assuming that a number of teens today have already watched or seen graphic scenes of violence and sex somewhere along their journey in their teenage life. This exposure could have come from magazines, television, movies, the Internet, video games and from other sources as well in this day and age. With all these other images in their minds, it actually might be helpful for the youth to understand more clearly what it cost God to bring us back to Himself. And in our 21st century culture, a visual message might ring more true in the minds of our youth—which is what this movie does.

As for the parents, you know your children, whether under twelve or in their teenage years, the best and I believe that your judgment call will be the wisest decision for your child. Yet for all of us who believe in Jesus Christ (children and adults alike), let us pray that this movie will strengthen the faith of believers and open the hearts and minds of unbelievers to the Gospel. Let us prepare ourselves this Easter season to be ready to answer any questions our friends may have after watching this movie. The Passion of the Christ just may be the best outreach opportunity this year. Let’s be ready.

— Pastor Lester Yamashita

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