This is serious. This is not a belated April Fools’ prank. About a decade ago, “Noah,” a movie allegedly “inspired” by the Bible, was shown in theaters, the subject of much ranting and raving and reviewing and raging. Other religious movies that have sparked controversy over the years include “The Exorcist,” “The Last Temptation of Christ,” and Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ.” Sorry, I have not yet watched the popular series, “The Chosen,” as of yet, so I can’t comment on that.
I have a suggestion for Hollywood filmmakers looking for another subject to cover, one not just “inspired” by the Bible, but one that could be actually covered in a typical. Hollywood-style, godless, “not-honoring God and his Word” sort of way while actually using what the Bible says.
I offer the house of Herod. If “house of Herod” sounds similar to “house of horrors,” it’s well deserved. Wretched, wicked, toxic to the core – four generations of Herods ruled portions of Israel during the 1st century AD. These guys make the “Godfather” protagonists and “Game of Thrones” antagonists seem gentle, dull, and boring. (Yawn)
It would be hard to choose the worst of these men. The first, Herod the Great, was King of Judea at the time of Jesus’ birth. He was called “great” because of his massive building programs, including the Temple in Jerusalem. He was also “great” at murder, killing his wife, three sons, and various other relatives. He also killed all the baby boys under the age of two in the vicinity of Bethlehem after the Magi did not return to tell Herod where the Christchild was. Temper, temper…
The other Herod who appears with prominence in the Gospel accounts is Herod Antipas, one of three sons who divided up Herod the Great’s kingdom after he died. Herod Antipas was a “lovely” man who stole his brother’s wife (who also happened to be his/their niece), killed John the Baptist in order to keep a liquor-and lust-induced promise to Salome, the daughter of his brother’s wife, and stood face to face with Jesus once – early Good Friday morning. See what I mean? Hollywood would love this stuff, and wouldn’t even have to make anything up.
What I would find fascinating in such a movie (a trilogy? Four… five…six movies? A television series?) would be the filmmakers’ take on the fleeting moments during which these Herods met Jesus. How would they handle the fact that these men took a passing interest in Jesus, and then passed on him? Would they recognize the danger of doing the very same – of glancing at Jesus, then moving on without meditation and without faith?
Guard your own heart! Easter approaches, and many will glance Jesus’ way. So will you and I. Get more than a glimpse. Take more than a passing interest. Stay. Remain. Fix your eyes on the One who saves, on the One who lived, died, and lives again…for you. “The Word became flesh and dwelled among us. We have seen his glory, the glory he has as the only-begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand
I have a suggestion for Hollywood filmmakers looking for another subject to cover, one not just “inspired” by the Bible, but one that could be actually covered in a typical. Hollywood-style, godless, “not-honoring God and his Word” sort of way while actually using what the Bible says.
I offer the house of Herod. If “house of Herod” sounds similar to “house of horrors,” it’s well deserved. Wretched, wicked, toxic to the core – four generations of Herods ruled portions of Israel during the 1st century AD. These guys make the “Godfather” protagonists and “Game of Thrones” antagonists seem gentle, dull, and boring. (Yawn)
It would be hard to choose the worst of these men. The first, Herod the Great, was King of Judea at the time of Jesus’ birth. He was called “great” because of his massive building programs, including the Temple in Jerusalem. He was also “great” at murder, killing his wife, three sons, and various other relatives. He also killed all the baby boys under the age of two in the vicinity of Bethlehem after the Magi did not return to tell Herod where the Christchild was. Temper, temper…
The other Herod who appears with prominence in the Gospel accounts is Herod Antipas, one of three sons who divided up Herod the Great’s kingdom after he died. Herod Antipas was a “lovely” man who stole his brother’s wife (who also happened to be his/their niece), killed John the Baptist in order to keep a liquor-and lust-induced promise to Salome, the daughter of his brother’s wife, and stood face to face with Jesus once – early Good Friday morning. See what I mean? Hollywood would love this stuff, and wouldn’t even have to make anything up.
What I would find fascinating in such a movie (a trilogy? Four… five…six movies? A television series?) would be the filmmakers’ take on the fleeting moments during which these Herods met Jesus. How would they handle the fact that these men took a passing interest in Jesus, and then passed on him? Would they recognize the danger of doing the very same – of glancing at Jesus, then moving on without meditation and without faith?
Guard your own heart! Easter approaches, and many will glance Jesus’ way. So will you and I. Get more than a glimpse. Take more than a passing interest. Stay. Remain. Fix your eyes on the One who saves, on the One who lived, died, and lives again…for you. “The Word became flesh and dwelled among us. We have seen his glory, the glory he has as the only-begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand
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