Not too long ago I had the opportunity of seeing The Passion of The Christ at Icon Studios in California. [...] For two hours I was shocked and rocked by stuff I already knew. As a matter of fact, I would estimate that I have preached at least 100 sermons about the crucifixion of Christ. For years I have detailed the physiological aspects of Christ's torture and execution in gruesome detail to sobbing teen audiences. But if a picture is worth a thousand words, then a good movie is worth a million.

From the gripping opening scene in the Garden of Gethsemane, to the very human and tender portrayal of the earthly ministry of Jesus, through the betrayal, the arrest, the scourging, the way of the cross, the encounter with the thieves, the surrender on the Cross, until the final scene in the empty tomb, this was not simply a movie; it was an encounter, unlike anything I have ever experienced. In addition to being a masterpiece of film making and an artistic triumph, "The Passion" evoked more deep reflection, sorrow and emotional reaction within me than anything since my wedding, my ordination or the birth of my children. Frankly, I will never be the same.

For the first time in history, the magnitude and reality of the Gospel take center stage on the big screen as Oscar-winning actor/director Mel Gibson transports viewers to first-century Judea. Why are people already talking about “The Passion of the Christ”? What questions will unbelievers have after Feb. 25? And will your church be ready to respond?

The answer to who killed Christ is found not only in The Passion but also in the Gospel records. Even though a crowd of Jesus’ countrymen cried out, “His blood be on us and on our children” (Matthew 27:25), Gibson’s treatment shows that no group deserves to be singled out as Christ-killers. The whole picture includes a fallen angel, Jewish leaders, Gentiles, and even Jesus.

This visual portrayal of the last twelve hours in the life of Jesus features gripping photos taken on the set of Mel Gibson's new film, "The Passion of Christ," offering a sweeping overview of the Passion story in powerful images that will enhance the movie experience. Includes biblical narratives in the New Living Translation.

The most important questions anyone can ask are: Why was Jesus crucified? Why did he suffer so much? What has this to do with me? Finally, who sent him to his death? The answer to the last question is that God did. Jesus was God's Son. His suffering was unsurpassed, but the whole message of the Bible leads to this answer. Why did Jesus suffer and die? The central issue of Jesus' death is not the cause, but the meaning--God's meaning. This is what this book is about. John Piper has gathered from the New Testament fifty reasons. Not fifty causes, but fifty purposes--in answer to the most important questions that each of us must face: What did God achieve for sinners like us in sending his Son to die?