The Messianic Jewish
view of movie
The
theater was sold out and packed with a diverse group of spectators. The local
Presbyterian church had bought out a large block of tickets and invited their
own members, Baptists and Jews, to attend a special screening of Mel
Gibson’s controversial film “The Passion of the Christ.”
GUEST COMMENT
This
was to be followed by an interfaith panel discussion about what we saw and
experienced. It was with mixed emotions that I accepted the invitation,
although I was very happy at the prospect of presenting a messianic Jewish
perspective to counterbalance the views of the other pastors and rabbis.
What
an amazing, angst-filled experience! On the positive side, I was quite impressed
with much of the Jewish cultural environment. This is not your typical European
Jesus who speaks the King’s English. Instead all the dialogue is either
in Aramaic or Latin. I have to admit I was blessed when Jesus was addressed
either as “Yeshua” or “Mashichah.” Likewise most of the
details of the Passover and daily life seemed much more authentic to first
century culture in Israel. Maia Morgenstern, a daughter of Holocaust survivors,
did an amazing job portraying Mary. I had seen in an interview that she even
made the powerful suggestion for the script as the women at one point ask the
question “Ma nishtana ha-laila ha-zeh...” (Why is this night
different from all other nights?) This question in Aramaic, read every year at
our Passover seders, took on a double spiritual meaning tying Passover with the
death of the Messiah.
Having
said this, there is no doubt that this film presents some quandaries for many
Jews including those of us who embrace Yeshua. There are some very
uncomfortable moments as Ciaphas and some of the other priests are strongly
confronting Yeshua. Those who know the New Testament account will likely admit
that it happened on some level. But it is very difficult to portray the nuances
since no one is exactly sure of the pathos of that exact moment. Add to this
the weak personality of Pilate, which seems to contradict the brutal record we
have of him in the New Testament and other historical sources. Was the washing
of the hands his plea for sincere absolution or just a façade of a tyrannical
despot?
Likewise, we Jews know what terrible fruit came from the
“passion plays” of history. It was not uncommon for such plays to
portray Jews as devils complete with horns, a theme which Gibson comes
uncomfortably close to when some apparently “Jewish” children morph
into grotesque demons. Many times such plays stirred up such virulent
anti-Semitism that Jewish communities were attacked and synagogues burned.
Thankfully, we are not in Czarist Russia of 200 years ago, but our historical
memory remains a compelling lens on how many in the Jewish community will see
this movie. For better or worse, much of the pre-release controversy of
“The Passion” came from certain (not all) segments of the Jewish
community. The fears are understandable yet many have pointed out that some of
these responses were unnecessarily extreme. (See Jewish commentator Michael
Medved’s astute article in Christianity Today,
March 2004 subtitled “Why I asked the Anti-Defamation League to give Mel
Gibson a break.”
Of
course the timing of the film’s release cannot be overlooked.
Corresponding with the 40-day period of Lent for many Christians, “The
Passion” was obviously targeted to the spiritual focus of many churches.
In another twist of irony, the Jewish community celebrated the holiday of Purim
(book of Esther) the following week where we remember the anti-Semitism of
another era. The joy of Purim is in response to the deliverance, which God
brought to our people in that generation through such people as Mordechai and
Esther. I am not sure if there is any direct connection between Purim and
“The Passion.” Perhaps it is all a reminder that there has always
been a spiritual battle centered on Israel. The good news of Purim and
“The Passion” is that God wins!
I
believe this film, even with some of its flaws and artistic liberties, will
open up many people’s minds to realize that Yeshua lived as a traditional
Jew among our people. This may challenge many of my own people to reconsider
some long held assumptions about this One who claimed to be our Messiah.
Likewise, I can see where many from the Christian community will be faced with
a Yeshua that did not start a new religion but fulfilled the ancient promises
given to the Jewish people and made available for all nations.
Perhaps
the perplexity over “The Passion” will serve, ironically, as a
positive platform for dialogue and understanding between diverse groups. The
panel discussion that I participated in turned out to be a very positive event
for both Jews and Christians.
Rabbi
Barney Kasdan leads Kehilat Ariel Messianic Synagogue in San Diego.