Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ depicts Jesus’ incredible life and sacrifice for us. Jesus was like no other. He was fully God and fully human. He was perfect in every way. He frustrated the religious establishment, yet he captivated thousands when he walked the earth.

His life, crucifixion, and resurrection continue to impact millions of people today.

As we contemplate Jesus’ life and this powerful film, we’ll focus on three themes: obedience, sacrifice and love.

“My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”

“Father, you can do all things. If it is possible, let this chalice pass from me, but let your will be done, not mine.”

OBEDIENCEJesus has a perfect relationship with the Father and that relationship was tested. It was tested in a way we will never fully comprehend, yet Jesus never sinned. The film begins with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus knows what’s coming and he doesn’t want to go through with it.

Even though Jesus didn’t want to go through with it, he obeyed the Father perfectly in the most difficult circumstances.

QUESTIONS:1. How would you describe the way Jesus prayed in the Garden?

2. When we anticipate a very stressful situation, how do we typically respond?

3. What can we learn from Jesus’ example?

SACRIFICEJesus did not want to experience the agony and suffering of the cross, but he obeyed the Father. Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ goes into great detail about the pain inflicted on Jesus. Leading up to the cross, Jesus faced significant verbal abuse and unimaginable physical abuse. As he hung on the cross, Jesus experienced one of the cruelest forms of capital punishment ever.

Let’s reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice for us as he obeyed the Father:

Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right side of God’s throne.

© Copyright American Bible Society 2014. Bible passages are excerpted from the Good News Translation (GNT)

*The impact of movies, television and theater on culture is profound, shaping how millions perceive social and moral issues. ABS builds resources for mainstream releases to facilitate culture-reaching conversations, inviting viewers to use themes presented to explore a new or refreshed relationship with Christ. This should not be perceived as direct endorsement of any particular media content.

Conversation Guide brought to you by: abs.us/movieUse this study tool with your small group, Bible study or ministry.

The Passion of the Christ will make its commercial television premiere on the UP television network at 9 p.m. EDT/6 p.m. PDT on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2014.

Think of what he went through; how he put up with so much hatred from sinners! So do not let yourselves become discouraged and give up. (Hebrews 12.2-3)

QUESTIONS:1. What were your thoughts and feelings as you watched Jesus suffer?

2. As you look at Christ and his suffering, how does that impact the way that you look at your own suffering?

3. Thank Jesus for his sacrifice for you.

LOVEIn the midst of Jesus’ agony, he continued to reach out and continued to show his love for humanity. As his enemies were mocking him, Jesus prayed to the Father for their forgiveness.

Jesus’ dialogue with the criminal on his left was a wonderful example of his love. That man knew that he deserved to die. He also knew Jesus was the Messiah and didn’t deserve any punishment. He wanted Jesus to remember him when Jesus becomes King. Jesus replied with those beautiful words, “Amen, I tell you, on this day you shall be with me in paradise.”

But God has shown us how much he loves us—it was while we were still sinners Christ died for us. (Romans 5.8) QUESTIONS:1. What do you think of what Jesus said to the Father on behalf of his enemies?

What do you think about Jesus’ words to the thief on the cross?

2. How have you responded to Jesus and his love in the past? What does his forgiveness and love mean to you today?

3. Thank Jesus for his death on the cross and his perfect, unending love for you.

“Father, forgive them. They know not what they do.”

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