JOY

The movie “The Last Temptation of Christ” caused quite the stir when it came out in 1988. There was so much push back against Jesus having sex with Mary Magdalene. For the record, the temptation was not sex but rather not being who God has called us to be. It is a fantastic, if long, movie, and I highly recommend it.

Especially for the final moments. In the story, Jesus has succumbed to the Satan’s telling him he doesn’t have to die on the cross. It’s unclear whether he’s having a hallucination or whether what happens next is real. He and Mary Magdalene get married and have kids as the world around them gradually descends into chaos. It’s been a while, but at some point in the chaos, Judas finds Jesus and asks him what happened to salvation? He and Jesus discuss tis for a few minutes. Suddenly Jesus realizes that he succumbed to the last temptation. There’s no salvation. He blew it.

Or did he?

At this moment Jesus is so sad, so heartbroken that he is whisked back onto the cross, bloodied and brutalized. But not bowed.

 

Isn’t that the best? Doesn’t that change your ideas about Good Friday? Look at the joy and the exultation. Salvation!

Best depiction of Jesus on the cross ever.

Was there joy with Jesus that day? Even amidst the obvious pain and horror? Joy that Jesus’ mission was accomplished, AND joy that forever after human beings are reconciled to God – without our ever having to do anything. (Read Rom. 5:1-11 if you don’t believe me.)

Joy! At the cross! I invite you to ponder that this holy weekend.

B