Pop-culture fixates on sensational news and gossip. Mel Gibson’s movie, “The Passion of the Christ,” has generated a lot of hype related to its level of violence, historical accuracy and how it might incite animosity and prejudice toward Jewish people.

I find it amusing that movie critics are surprised by the amount of violence it portrays. Since when has Hollywood ever been surprised with the amount of violence in a movie? When you make a film about the last few hours of Christ’s life on earth, what else is there to portray but violence and bloodshed?

According to the gospel record, Jesus was turned over to the Jewish authorities by one of His own greedy followers. It is no secret that the leading Jewish authorities wanted to kill Jesus for publicly challenging their teachings and claiming to be the Messiah. They believed His teachings were blasphemous and heretical, and they actively played a role in assisting with His capture and trial.

When Pilate, the Roman governor, tried to release Jesus after concluding He had done nothing wrong, the gospel account says, “The Jews cried out, saying, ‘If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar’s friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar’” (John 19:12, NKJV).

In essence, they threatened Pilate with political blackmail. Because Jesus declared Himself the King of God’s spiritual order, they suggested that if Pilate released Him, he could be portrayed as supporting another King over Caesar.

What bothered the Jewish leaders most was Christ’s radical teachings about the nature of God’s kingdom, His self-proclaimed mission, the nature of forgiveness and personal faith. When Pilate finally gave the Jewish leaders what they wanted (handing Christ over to be crucified), he washed his hands to signify that he did not want to be guilty of Christ’s blood. In response, the Jews said, “His blood be on us and on our children” (Matthew 27:24, NKJV).

How should we respond?

Many Jews feel sensitive about this and are no less pleased with their historical role in Christ’s death than are the Germans with their part in World War II. But knowing these historical realities should not cause us to try to re-write history, or hate Jews or vilify Germans.

The fact is, there were many Jews who believed in Christ and gave their lives to defend His teachings, and there are many today who would do the same. Nowhere in Scripture do we find God condemning people because of their mistakes or evil actions. Jesus said, “God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:17, NKJV).

Nicole Batten, director of public relations at Pacific Press Publishing Association, sees this as a great opportunity to share key printed resources with people who are asking questions and looking for a fuller understanding of what happened. Batten says, “What better time to share Ellen White’s Desire of Ages, which presents an accurate and beautiful account of Jesus’ life, including His last hours on earth? And don’t forget Messiah, the adaptation of this great classic in contemporary language. For another moving account of Christ’s great sacrifice, share The Gift, by Kim Allan Johnson." These books are all available at AdventistBookCenter.com.

Many in Bible times did not understand or care about Jesus' life and mission, and the same is true today. The story of the cross always gets mixed reviews. But in the end, yours is the only one that matters. Whether you see Gibson’s movie or not, how are you responding to Christ’s “passion” for you?