Review: People Who Met Jesus (Part II)

If you are reading this review on the Sabbath, then I would like to wish you a Sabbath filled with joy in the Lord.

This week’s review is the for the series, People Who Met Jesus, part two, produced by International Media Studies

Description

A series of eight short video stories about people who met Jesus.

Zacchaeus (Luke 19)

The presenter, Christopher Gormold-Smith said that Zacchaeus means clean, innocent.  This is opposite to the life Zacchaeus was living, as a tax collector for the Roman empire.  Christopher is good at focusing on how Zacchaeus sought Jesus and humbled himself, in order to be a follower of Christ.

The Man Born Blind (John 9)

This miracle is quite shocking, as the average human considers spit unclean.  However, as Jesus is perfect, having him mix his spit with dirt to make a healing ointment is a blessing.  The man’s reaction and gratitude is heartwarming.  I like how Christopher brought up the point of people thinking this man’s parents had done something wrong and therefore God punished them by making their baby blind. Christopher brought up how everything God does stems from love.  God is not a tyrant and therefore does not make babies blind - a sinful world is the cause of sickness, disease, disabilities and death.  Christopher also brings up some other good points from this miracle, which you’ll hear when you watch part two.

Annas - Caiaphas’ father (John 18)

We see Annas’ role and how he tried to force Jesus’ hand, having no idea who he was talking to.  He rejected Jesus’ authority, yet claimed he was a servant of God.

Caiaphas

Christopher brought up some good points about where Caiaphas’ state of mind might have been.  We see through scripture how Caiaphas sought to have as much power, within the Jewish establishment, without provoking the Romans. In other words, He was trying to serve two masters. Christopher spoke of being so fixed on our agenda, that we don’t even hear God speaking to us.  It reminds me of how Saul had been, before becoming the apostle Paul. Jesus appeared before Saul, as recorded in Acts 9:5  And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. Jesus had tried to get Saul’s attention, however Jesus implies that Saul had not responded to the prompts made before.

Judas Iscariot

Christopher covers all aspects of the account of Judas Iscariot.  The word that comes to my mind is repentance.  Adam and Eve didn’t repent. but shifted the blame.  Judas chose to carry his guilt and shame to an early grave 1 John 1:9 says , 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  As Jesus is the living word, Judas should have known that he would be forgiven, if he repented.  But then I think of Luke 3:23 

Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. Judas chose to be a slave to Satan, welcoming him in to take charge of his mind - thereby, sealing his choice as an enemy of Jesus and therefore an enemy of God.

Herod Antipas (Luke 23)

I liked how Christopher focused on reflection of how Herod could have used the opportunity of seeing Jesus differently. 

Pontius Pilate

There is good reflection on how Pontius Pilate could have used his power, as governor, for good, meaning, releasing Jesus.  Christopher offers further reflection on how we react to Jesus’ will in our lives.

Joseph of Arimathea 

We look at how Joseph’s hidden faith becomes public, post Jesus’ sacrifice.

I liked part two as much as part one.  Not only is it a good opportunity to revisit scripture, but the opportunity to reflect on the context, motives and connection to our lives today.

Christopher Gormold-Smith did a great job with the presentation and encouragement to reflect on Bible text.

Thank you for reading this review. Until next time - peace be with you.

Film source: www.visionvideo.com

Thumbnail: www.visionvideo.com