SHARING THE FAITH BY SERVING

           

            It is unquestionable to any Bible-reading person that sharing our faith in Jesus Christ is essential to the Christian walk of discipleship. First, because it was commanded to us by Jesus Himself in what we call the Great Commission, Matthew 28:18-20: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.”

 “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.” 

ON THE “SON OF GOD” MOVIE

            

          This past Sunday, March 2, two days after the release of this new film on the amazing life and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ, a group from our church and some guests, about 35 in total, went together to see the film in a North Hollywood theater. After the film, most of the group gathered at our house for pizza and discussion on how we could use this film to share the Good News of the love of God for all humanity. We recognize that many will possibly go and see this film and may have some questions. Not too long ago speaking with a friend of one of our daughters, I realized that we have a new generation that has never heard the details of the life of Jesus, least of all seen it as clearly as it is portrayed in this film.

           We also need to be prepared to share our thoughts on the film with other believers who either have not taken the time to see the film or having seen it have objections to it. I was reminded and I reminded the group of Peter’s recommendation in his First Letter 3:15:"always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness/gentleness and fear."

            It is impossible to see this film and not compare it to Mel Gibson’s the Passion of the Christ that came out a couple of years ago. The two films are clearly different. While the Passion of the Christ focuses only on the last week of Jesus’ life of earth, the Son of God film focuses in brief (a two hour movie) on the entire life of Jesus taking the narrative primarily from the Gospel According to St. John and including parts of the other Gospels, such as the visit of the Three Wise Men and others portions. The part of the trial, crucifixion, and death of Jesus in both films show the brutality that Jesus endured on our behalf and for our salvation. This is the part where in all honesty I got emotional and had to hold back my tears.

            The film is very well made and I highly recommend it to all in our church and to all my friends. The Gospel story is clearly presented with reverence and strength, with truth and emotion, and with love and compassion for all who will see it, believers and unbelievers. It invites questions from all.

            Clearly, the producers of the film did take some liberties in how they told the story. An example of this is the fact that Mary Magdalene is portrayed as one of the Twelve Apostles, which clearly is not in any of the Gospels nor in the lists of Disciples/Apostles in any of the four Gospels. Mary cradling the lifeless body of her son reminded us more of Michelangelo’s sculpture in Italy, La Pieta than what the Gospel’s actually say. Mary cleaning the lifeless body of Jesus with a sponge in the tomb is not scriptural, rather the Gospel say that because of the Passover quickly approaching the body of Jesus was not properly prepared for burial and thus the Marys and other women coming to the sepulcher early in the morning of Easter Sunday with spices to anoint the body. Some of the teachings of Jesus were placed in different contexts than in the Gospels and perhaps a few others things.

            Over all the message of the Gospels is clearly and powerfully presented in the film. The crucifixion of Jesus is very powerfully portrayed and His Resurrection unquestionable. I recommend it to all. But I want to also listen to your opinions.

            Let’s Blog!

            Fr. Jose+