Passion of the Christ: Notes on the Symbolism

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[Askel5]

I searched but hadn't seen this posted yet. If so, sorry ... perhaps you'll know the article to which it should be linked?

[Desdemona]

Thank you very much Askel. I watched the movie closely and a lot of this went right by.

[Askel5]

I was really happy to see it too.

The second time I went, I had notebook in hand and a far more critical eye than upon first seeing with my grandfather on Ash Wednesday. Still, I too was impressed to find the depth of care taken to "witness the Word" as it were.

It's the not-so-little things like these which--combined with what is a truly beautiful and magnificently executed film on its face--make for such a powerful impact on viewers.

[Askel5]

I was really happy to see it too.

The second time I went, I had notebook in hand and a far more critical eye than upon first seeing with my grandfather on Ash Wednesday. Still, I too was impressed to find the depth of care taken to "witness the Word" as it were.

It's the not-so-little things like these which--combined with what is a truly beautiful and magnificently executed film on its face--make for such a powerful impact on viewers.

[Askel5]

Damn ... Zviadist says HELLO ... HELL if can post yet, though.

[B Knotts]

Very interesting and enlightening. Thank you for posting this. I caught some of these when I saw the movie, but there are many I hadn't thought of. I didn't even notice the cross floating when they flipped it over.

[Between the Lines]

Other symbolism not mentioned above:

Upright and crossbeam of Jesus' Cross are fastened with three bolts, arranged in a triangle ~ Trinity

During the flagellation, one of Jesus' ribs is exposed ~ New Adam.

Table Jesus built~ Altar (could this also be the same table the office-in-charge at the flogging sat at?)

[Askel5]

My ... your handle certainly is apt.

Thanks for the post. I'm hopeful others will add to this thread as you have.

Cheers.

[Dajjal]

Very nice list.

Bumpus ad summum

[Dajjal]

Table Jesus built~ Altar (could this also be the same table the office-in-charge at the flogging sat at?)

A friend of mine pointed out to me how Jesus sits upon the table he is building, making it an altar, and I had to kick myself for not noticing that. He also said that this scene has the one true joke in this painful story: when Jesus shows the Blessed Virgin the "altar," she quips "It'll never catch on."

But the table the Roman soldier has is smaller and more crudely built. Christ's table has some simple detailing done on the skirting; the soldier's table has no detailing.

[rogator]

bump for later

[Between the Lines]

But the table the Roman soldier has is smaller and more crudely built.

Thanks for the clarification. I did not catch that when I saw the movie and have wondered every since.

[NYer]

Thanks for posting this thread! Here's a Q & A that has always intrigued me. It is addressed in A Guide to the Passion,

Q: In the scene in which Jesus saves the woman caught in adultery from being stoned, we see Him writing in the sand. What is the significance of this act?

The scene is taken directly from the New Testament (John 8:3-11). Some theologians and biblical scholars have speculated that Jesus was perhaps writing down the sins of the men who were about to stone her. Others note that Jesus' action recalls the One who gave the Law in the first place on Mount Sinai, for Exodus describes the Ten Commandments (including "You shall not commit adultery") being written in stone by the "finger of God". Therefore it is fitting that the One who gave the Law, now grants mercy. At any rate, it is from this incident we get the challenging words, "Let him who is without sin ... be the first to throw a stone at her" (John 8:7).

[Askel5]

Thanks NYer ... I'm sure I wasn't the only peering at the dust to see what Gibson would make of it.

I love the thought of Mercy writ large by the finger of God.

[m4629]

Some theologians and biblical scholars have speculated that Jesus was perhaps writing down the sins of the men who were about to stone her.

According to the Armenian Catholic tradition, this is true. Jesus was writing down the sins of those men, starting with the highest ranking members.

[Askel5]

Trust you'll weigh in with your thoughts on the "comic relief" scene between Mary and Jesus.

[AnAmericanMother]

I was told that the table ended up in Pilate's headquarters.

I saw a table about that size, but forgot to look for the open-work skirting.