The Last Temptation of Christ

I've just watched one of the most 'controversial' films of the 20th century. Martin Scorsese's 'The Last Temptation of Christ'. (some of his more well know films are Casino, Goodfellas, The Aviator) )Now if you haven't seen it I would advise it, ignore the critic's and just watch it as a piece of art, like you would any other film.

Unfortunately for me I need to be rather critical of this film as I am studying it for one of my modules at uni, The Bible and Film. This is a wonderful module where we get to watch a film every week, some of them have been a little strange, but do have good themes and wouldn't hesitate showing them to a group of young people.

I thought this film was good. It was a little confusing at times but so well directed and acted. William DeFore (Spiderman, Body of Evidence, XxX 2) played Jesus, and Harvey Keital (Resivoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, The Piano), as Judas. The opening credits mention that it was not a biblical representation of the gospels and that was evident from the opening scenes. The film is based on a book of the same name and the writer, Nikos Kazantzakis, wrote it because, he wanted to understand the dual nature of Christ. He says,

'The dual nature of Christ, the yearning, so human, so superhuman, of man to attain God, has always been a deep inscrutable mystery to me. My principle anguish and the source of all my joys and sorrows from my youth onwards have been the incessant, merciless battle between the spirit and the flesh and my soul is the arena where theses two armies have clashed and met.'

That sums up something that I had thought but never really expressed.

The bible says that Jesus was tempted in every way yet did not sin. And when Jesus was in the desert for 40 days he was tempted and still did not give in. Now to me that sounds superhuman! How on earth am I suppose to be like Christ and do all of those things. It is so hard to resist temptation! So hard, so how on earth did Jesus do it?

Well, he knew his purpose and he knew his destiny.

Throughout the film you really engage with this battle Jesus had and it seemed like a real struggle. There are so many times he seems unsure of himself. When he questions whether this is actually the will of God. Whether he should ignore his calling and lead a normal human life. That was his last temptation. To be just like everyone else.

How many times I have I said, 'oh this is way too difficult I give up!' well too many to mention. Up until now I didn't realize how much of a struggle this must have been for Jesus and his disciples. There were time when he would open his mouth and no words came out, or when they did they came out with a stutter! This under confident man from Galilee speaking the word of God! Jesus almost couldn't believe it himself.

Sometimes I just want to lead a normal human life

Not to give up things, not to have to struggle and battle everyday, not to pick up my cross DAILY and follow him.

but...

I'm called too, just like Jesus.

I know my purpose, just like Jesus

If there was another easy option then sure, absolutely I would take it, Just like Jesus,

but...

I won't.

I don't want to be an ordinary person. I don't want to disappear in the crowds, I don't want life to just pass me by.

Life is something that happens to you when your busy planning it.

Well, I'm busy living it!

Jesus was a man, lets not forget that. He didn't sometimes wear his god cap when he was healing, or speaking, or changing lives. He was a man, but a man who knew the will of God and a man who knew his destiny. A man who was willing to be controversial, willing to change things, willing to speak up, but, was absolutely petrified inside but spoke with boldness, and words that would cut straight to your heart!

Jesus battled

So do I!

Do you?