The Son of God

                My husband and I went to see the new movie “Son of God” last week.  I noticed a few doctrinal differences but thought the movie stayed close to the Biblical account.  I appreciate the opportunity to see this movie; although I did not actually learn anything new, I gained great insight.  I was very touched by the relationship of Mary and her Son.  As a mother, I felt great empathy for her and marveled at her ability to believe in her Son even as He was suffering.  I encourage you to see the movie.

                I had a difficult time clearing my mind of the scenes depicting the events leading up to and including the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.  The scenes hung in my mind long enough to be a great reminder during sacrament service the following Sunday.  I actually had an easy time keeping my mind on the Savior during the services.

                President Gordon B. Hinckley spoke about the Savior:  “Of all the children born into this world, none other has come with so rich a birthright as Jesus for He was the Only Begotten of the Eternal Father in the flesh.

                “Of all men who have walked the earth, no other has lived so perfect a life as this the man of miracles, who testified that He is `the way, the truth, and the life.’ (John 14:6.)

                “Of all the victories in human history, none is so great, none so universal in its effect, none so everlasting in its consequences as the victory of the crucified Lord, who came forth in the Resurrection that first Easter morning.

                “I have seen statues and paintings of the great men and women of history, many hundreds of them.  But great and important as are all of these heroes of the past, none can compare with the victory of the lonely, pain-wracked figure on Calvary’s cross who triumphed over death and brought the gift of eternal life to all mankind….

                “In dying, He brought about the redemption of mankind.  None can fully comprehend the extent and wonder and majesty of that sacrifice in our behalf.  Suffice it to say, He became our Redeemer.

                “His body was dressed and placed in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathaea.  The tomb was sealed, and the guards were set.  But no force beneath the heavens could now hold back the power of the Son of God.  It was as if His Almighty Father could stand no more.  The earth trembled.  The guards fled.  The stone was moved.  The Lord of heaven and earth arose from the bier, shook off the burial clothes, and stepped forth to become the first fruits of them that slept.  The empty tomb bore testimony of this greatest of all miracles.  With the appearance of the rise Lord first to Mary and then to many others, even to upwards of five hundred, came the undeniable testimony of His everlasting power over life and death.”  (See “The Son of God,” Ensign, December 1992.)

                Seeing the movie “Son of God” helped me in my preparation to celebrate Christ’s victory over death and sin.  The visuals presented in the movie take the words of the scriptures and prophets to greater depths.  I love our Savior, Jesus Christ, and am so very grateful that He loved us enough to live and die as He did that all of us might live again.