The Passion of the Christ

So, this past Sunday we celebrated Easter and I did not post anything on social media. I was trying to make a conscientious effort to stay off my phone for the day. I spent the day with my family and some close friends talking and enjoying each other‘s company, but we took a couple of hours to watch a movie, The Passion of the Christ. I’m always amazed every time I see this movie by how well produced it is, and how I am also able to glean something different each time, probably based on where I am in my life when I’m watching it.

I never really understood why Pontius Pilate was such a disliked character in history. After all, he was not the one that wanted Jesus to be crucified. On the contrary, it seemed as though Pontius Pilate, through the urging of his wife, actually wanted Jesus to be released. He openly stated that he did not see any wrongdoing in Him.

However, I had an epiphany Sunday as I was watching the movie. The reason he was complicit in Jesus‘ death was because he had the power to stand up and stop what was happening, but chose to do nothing and wash his hands of the situation. He chose to turn his back and let an innocent man be put to death for political reasons, as he clearly states in the movie. He cared more about his own “self-preservation” than doing what was right. He stated that he “does not have this innocent man’s blood on his hands,” but he did.

He is guilty because by not standing up for what was right when he was in the position to do so made him an accomplice.

I took this moment as an opportunity to tell my sons that when they see something being done to someone else that is wrong and they don’t say anything because they feel like it is “none of their business” or because they think it has nothing to do with them, they are wrong. Especially if they are in a position of power or if they are in the position to help. I understand if you’re not, this is difficult, but if you are and you don’t, that IS an issue.

Anyway, it was a really good movie. I hear that there is a second part coming called The Resurrection.