He Is Risen: Why Easter Still Matters + The Passion of the Christ Review
He is Risen! Yesterday, Christian’s all over the world celebrated arguably the most important holiday in the Christian faith: Resurrection Sunday, also known as Easter.
Other than Christmas, where we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, Easter is the day that carries even greater emotions. Where Christmas reminds us that He came into the world, Easter reminds us why He came.
Jesus came into this world, and His enemies crucified Him, buried Him, and then He rose from the dead after three days. That is the bedrock of the Christian foundation.
The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:17, “and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins.” Everything stands or falls based on the resurrection.
Without the resurrection, Christianity is powerless.
Without the resurrection, the cross is just a tragedy.
Without the resurrection, death still wins.
But because Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice and rose from the dead, sin and death are defeated, Christ disarmed Satan, and all who believe in Him will not perish but will have eternal life (John 3:16). That's why Easter matters, why Christians celebrate, and why the tomb is empty.
What Easter Means for Christians in Today’s Society
We live in a culture that is increasingly distracted, morally confused, spiritually numb, and often hostile to biblical truth. In a world like that, Easter is not just relevant—it is necessary.
1. Easter reminds us that culture does not determine truth.
Society changes. God does not.
Public opinion shifts every year. Moral standards get rewritten. What was once called evil is now celebrated, and what is holy is often mocked. But the resurrection of Jesus Christ stands outside of all of that. If Jesus truly rose from the dead, then He is Lord whether the culture accepts it or not.
2. Easter reminds us that suffering is not the end
Many people today are carrying grief, anxiety, disappointment, loneliness, and spiritual exhaustion.
The resurrection reminds believers that God brings life out of what looks dead.
The stone rolled away.
The grave is emptied.
The darkest Friday gave way to Sunday morning.
That means no believer suffers without hope.
3. Easter reminds us that Christianity is not put together on inspiration, but on Christ’s redeeming work.
Modern society often wants a version of Jesus that is soft, non-confrontational, and inspirational—but not holy, not crucified, and certainly not reigning.
But the true gospel is not “be a better person.”
The gospel is this:
You are a sinner. Christ died in your place. He rose again. Repent and believe.
That message is offensive to the flesh, but it is the only message that saves.
4. Easter calls Christians to stop playing church
If Christ rose from the dead, then Christianity cannot remain casual.
The resurrection demands more than church attendance. It demands repentance, surrender, worship, obedience, and boldness.
Too many professing Christians celebrate Easter once a year but live the rest of the year as though Jesus is still in the grave.
He is not.
And if He lives, then our lives should reflect it.
My Review of The Passion of the Christ
After attending Sunday service, I spent part of the day watching Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, a film that focuses on the final 12 hours of Jesus Christ’s life before His crucifixion. I haven’t seen this movie since I was a kid, but this should be a movie to watch on Easter with your family, but with only if you believe your kids will be able to watch it.
This movie received 3 Academy Award nominations:
Best Achievement in Cinematography
Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score
Best Achievement in Makeup
This movie is not for the faint of heart—and it should not be.
It is brutal, emotional, and heavy. But it is also one of the most impactful portrayals of Christ’s suffering ever put on screen.
What the Film Does Well (Pros)
1. It does not sanitize the cross
The film powerfully shows the physical suffering Jesus endured. It forces viewers to confront the brutality of the crucifixion instead of treating it lightly.
2. It stirs conviction and reflection
For many, this movie becomes more than entertainment. It reminds people that Christ truly suffered for sinners, and that reality hits hard.
3. Jim Caviezel gives a strong performance
His portrayal of Jesus is restrained, sorrowful, and reverent, which helps carry the emotional weight of the film.
4. The tone feels serious and sacred
The cinematography, language, and score give the film a solemn weight that many faith-based movies often lack.
Where the Film Falls Short (Cons)
1. The violence can overshadow the meaning
The film is so focused on physical suffering that some viewers may miss the deeper theological reality: Jesus was not only suffering at the hands of men. He was bearing the judgment sinners deserve.
2. It reflects extra-biblical influences
Some scenes and emphases lean more into tradition and Catholic imagery than Scripture itself, so I advise watching this with discernment.
3. The resurrection is too brief
The resurrection is the victory of the gospel, yet the film gives it only a very short moment at the end.
Final Thoughts
The Passion of the Christ is difficult, powerful, and deeply moving. It is not a substitute for Scripture, and it is not perfect—but it does force people to look seriously at the suffering of Christ.
And especially around Easter, that matters.
Easter is not mainly about tradition, family gatherings, or seasonal celebration.
It is about this:
Jesus Christ’s enemies crucified Him.
They buried Him.
He rose again.
And because He lives, there is hope for sinners who repent and believe.
He is risen indeed.
