This was a powerful movie narrated by Kyle Idleman ("Not A Fan") about the story of Easter. He asks us to "paint yourself into the story" and transform Easter into a truly life-changing experience. He refers us to Rembrand's painting - who did exactly that. If you look at that picture you will see he has painted himself as one of the witnesses of Christ dying for us at the cross.
Watching this movie was difficult at times - the precious hands of the baby Jesus were on the screen one second, then transposed into the hands of Jesus being nailed to the cross. We saw the joy of Mary as she kissed her precious baby's face as the camera span to the torturous face of a mother watching the brutal torture and death of her Son. We see 40 day old baby Jesus being lifted into the air by Simeon at the temple - which transforms into Jesus being raised on the cross by the Roman guards. We watched Jesus draw out the seven demons from Mary of Magdala and then we saw her accompany Mary and John as they walk with Jesus down the Via Dolorosa to Golgotha. We learned that this particular route was the longest way to get there. What better way to encourage the taunting, mocking and humiliation of Jesus and to collect a crowd for the execution. We also watched the almost manic joy of Mary of Magdala as she returned from the tomb - seeing Jesus after His resurrection and how she was the first one to spread the Good News! Your heart could not help but be crushed and humbled at the cry of Jesus as He asked His Father to "Forgive them for they know not what they are doing" - knowing that is what He asks for each and every one of us each and every single day of our life.
Not one of us walked away from this movie unaffected, but all of us will always hold onto the true meaning of Easter. It's not about the Easter baskets, chocolate rabbits, marshmallow chicks, jelly beans and dyed eggs. It is about Our Savior who came to earth in the form of a man to take away our sin and end sacrifices by being the ultimate sacrifice - the Lamb of God - so that we, who follow Him, may have life . . . eternal life.
Praise God. Happy Easter.