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The Passion of the Christ
By Pastor Eddie B Pruitte, Jr.
A few years ago (2004 to be exact) this phrase was one of the most repeated in the country and most parts of the English speaking world. Actor Mel Gibson financed and directed a film depicting the last few hours of Jesus' life before the Crucifixion. The film grossed nearly $400 million domestically and was nominated for several awards. It was controversial for several reasons one being it was so graphic in its display of Christ's suffering.
Here at Holiness Tabernacle we observe Passion Week (also known as Holy Week) and I place great emphasis on this for several reasons. I was asked by our editor to explain why.
The word "passion" has several definitions (i.e. any powerful or compelling emotion; a feeling of strong love or hate; the sufferings of Christ on the cross or His sufferings subsequent to the Last Supper; the narrative of Christ's sufferings as recorded in the Gospels; the sufferings of a martyr). One of the reasons Mr. Gibson's film was so successful is because he made the Lord's experience real to the audience. This is exactly what the Scriptures tell us to do.
The Lord told Moses to write down His laws and "rehearse them in Joshua's ears" (Ex. 17:14). He also told Moses to tell the people to write down His laws and acts, and teach them to the children. "Write the law on the doorposts, teach them as you sit in the house, as you walk along the way; write it upon the frontlets of their eyes" (Deut 6:7-9). This is something too many Christians have failed to do today.
I marvel at the manner by which those of the Jewish and Moslem faiths are so "passionate" in their beliefs and their children accept their parent's faith at an early age. This is not an accident. Those parents take an active role in ensuring that their children are indoctrinated. They understand the importance of "training up a child when they are young." We Christians on the other hand, approach things a little differently.
It never ceases to amaze me how many children whose parents are "saved" don't know the basic concept of salvation; books of the Bible; stories in the Bible; and sadly the story of Jesus’ sacrifice. The Lord has impressed upon me to do all I can to combat this ignorance.
This week at Holiness Tabernacle we will do what the Bible tells us to do – remember Him. We will learn what Jesus did this week more than 2,000 years ago, to purchase our salvation. We will learn why He cursed the fig tree and the parables He told to foretell His death. We will learn how and why Holy Communion was instituted. We will attempt to make Christ's activities real to the saints. We do this because I believe what's important and real to us becomes real and important to our children.
Some parents place emphasis on their children's athletic accomplishments, others are braggadocios about their children's academic achievements. I've even heard a parent comment that her daughter had a lot of boyfriends. I believe in the words of the song "…only what you do for Christ will last." Some may misinterpret what I am saying. I believe in supporting our children in wholesome, character building activities. However, nothing should replace or be more important than educating them in the teachings or ways of the Lord. Every parent should make it their personal goal to lead their child to Christ.
Passion Week allows us to reflect, reconnect, and refocus on the most important events of our salvation. Jesus’ death and resurrection are what separates the Christian from every other faith. As a saint of God it is imperative not only that I am familiar with these events, but that they are real to me. If they are real to me, then they will become real to my children and their children, and as many that are afar off, and as many as the Lord shall call.
Without question this should be the greatest week on the calendar for the Christian. Some will spend it on the beach, some will spend it in the mall, and some will spend it watching another sporting event. However, some will choose to spend it making the Lord's experience more real to them.