The Passion of the Christ Discussion Guide

Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ

Discussion Guide

For use after viewing the film

You’ve most likely heard this story before. Why, then, did you go to see it?

Was there anything in the movie that surprised you?

What scene was most striking to you? Why?

What shocked you most about this movie? Why?

Were there any parts of the movie that disturbed you? Why?

What do you think about how the following characters were portrayed?

Were there any similarities or differences between how these characters were portrayed and what you had always believed about them?

§ John

§ Mary

§ Peter

§ The woman caught in adultery

§ Claudia, Pilate’s wife

§ Pilate

§ Judas

What did you think of the image of the devil in the movie?

Do you believe that evil is active in our world today?

How would the movie have been different if those scenes were left out?

How does Mel Gibson’s interpretation of the Passion differ from your own?

When the devil cries out in the desert at the end, is this because evil has been defeated? What could be other interpretations of this scene?

Is the question posed by the devil in the garden (“How can one man save the souls of all?”) ever answered in the film?

What is your impression of Mary?

Has it changed since seeing the film?

Discuss the scene where Jesus falls and Mary remembers Jesus falling as a child?

Is this a powerful scene for you? If so, why?

What about the members of the Sanhedrin who are missing from the meeting?

Why do you think the meeting was held at night?

In one scene, a Temple official is shown paying a man to gather friends to show solidarity against Jesus. Why do you think some people are so easily guided by money?

What did you think of Judas as portrayed in the film?

What did you think about the scene when the children chased Judas out of town?

Did they represent his conscience?

Could they have represented evil?

Discuss the difference in the sin of Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial.

Discuss the mob mentality that pervades so many scenes in the film. Have you ever experienced the power of a mob?

Is there any rule as to how large a group must become before it can exert power over people?

What do you think about the impact of the crowd on Pilate’s ability to come to a decision?

Why was it so difficult for him to decide for or against Jesus?

Have you ever followed a crowd knowing that the actions of the “mob” were wrong?

When Jesus is handed his cross, he seems to venerate it. What does this scene teach us about his willingness to accept his fate?

Does this have implications for the ways we venerate the cross on Good Friday?

What about the character of Simon of Cyrene?

At first, he is reluctant to participate in the carrying of the cross. What changes his mind?

The behavior of the Roman soldiers and the crowd seemed to outrage Simon. Did you find yourself sharing in his anger?

Do you think you would have reacted in a similar fashion?

The young woman wiping the face of Jesus is not found in Scripture. What do you think of this scene?

How can we show compassion for those who suffer?

There are a few scenes as Jesus carries his cross in which women are wailing, indicating that not everyone was against Jesus. What do you think of their reaction to what they are witnessing?

Why do you think they reacted differently than others who were shown throwing rocks at Jesus?

Do you think it’s easier for some to be overwhelmed by the power of a mob than it is for others?

What do you think of the way the film juxtaposes scenes of the crucifixion with scenes of the Last Supper?

Does this teach you anything new about the way we celebrate Eucharist?

What is the lesson of the washing of the feet?

How can you live this out in your daily life?

During the crucifixion, Jesus prays for the people who persecute him. Have you ever prayed for someone who has hurt you?

Was this difficult?

Are there other ways to respond?

What do you make of the movie’s portrayal of John?

Why do you think he was so quiet?

Were you able to identify this character as John since no one calls him by name?

What does Jesus’ command to him (John 19:27) mean?

When Jesus dies a drop of water falls from the sky. Is this symbolic of anything for you?

Some say it indicated God’s weeping over the death of his son?

Do you think this is a fair interpretation of the scene?

How is the scene of Mary holding the crucified Jesus different than any other views that you’ve seen before (for instance, Michelangelo’s Pieta)?

What do you think is going through Mary’s mind in this scene?

There are several scenes which include information not found in the Scriptures. There are also parts of Scripture that are left out of the film. One of the scenes left out is the profession of faith by the Roman centurion (Matthew 28:54, Mark 16:39, Luke 23:47).

Why do you think this is left out of the film?

Could it be because it is now up to the viewer to make this profession?

How is the movie an act of faith for Mel Gibson?

How is it an act of faith for actors?

Was going to see it an act of faith for you?

Some people believe the movie could incite feelings of anti-Semitism. After having seen the film, do you understand their perspective?

Were there scenes when you grew angry at some of the characters?

Since this film is taken out of the context of Jesus’ life and only includes the last 12 hours, it is important to know about the Jew’s understanding of the Messiah. What do you already know that is helpful in understanding the reaction of the Jewish leaders to Jesus’ ministry?

What are the implications of the Jews accepting Jesus as the Messiah?

When Jesus’ public ministry first began and he reads in the Temple (Like 4:16-30), he moves Judaism for many from a religion of promise to a religious of fulfillment. Discuss the implication of his words on faithful Jews.

Do you understand the motivations of the leaders of the Sanhedrin? If not, spend some time researching this.

The movie only shows a few moments of the Resurrection of Jesus. Would the movie have been complete without this scene?

Do you think these few moments are enough to offer hope?

What is the most meaningful lesson a viewer can draw from The Passion of the Christ?

What way, if any, will this deepen (or lessen) your Lenten journey and your experience of the Triduum?