Faith & Film

Easter 2A

Risen (2016)

John 20:19-31—Jesus Appears to the Disciples

Easter 2A

The scene in the movie Risen, in which Jesus appears to his disciples, is both similar and different to the gospel account found in John 20: 19-31. In the movie, Jesus appears to his disciples in a room where they are gathered, with the doors locked. He enters the room, greets his disciples, shows them his wounds, and then disappears. In the gospel account, Jesus also appears to his disciples in a locked room, but his appearance has a slightly different sequence of events. He first greets his disciples, shows them his hands and side, and then breathes on them and gives them the Holy Spirit.

One major difference between the two accounts is the emphasis on Thomas. In the gospel account, Thomas is absent when Jesus appears to his disciples, and when they tell him about it, he expresses doubt until he is able to touch Jesus’ wounds. In the movie, Thomas is present when Jesus appears to the disciples, and he is initially skeptical until he sees Jesus’ wounds for himself. Another difference between the two accounts is the portrayal of Jesus himself. In the movie, Jesus is shown as very gentle and kind toward his disciples, offering them comfort and reassurance. In the gospel account, Jesus is also loving and compassionate, but there is also a sense of authority and power in his demeanor.

Despite these differences, there are also similarities between the two accounts. Most notably, both portray the resurrection of Jesus as a miraculous event that inspires the disciples to spread the word of his teachings throughout the world. Both accounts emphasize the importance of faith in Jesus as the key to eternal life.

Trailer for Risen (2016)

The 2016 film Risen deals with the theme of skepticism and faith as soldiers grapple with the possibility that Jesus has risen from the dead. The movie is set in Jerusalem during the reign of Pontius Pilate and follows the story of a Roman tribune named Clavius who is given the task of investigating Jesus’ death and finding his missing body. Through his investigation, Clavius begins to confront his own doubts and finds his faith restored.

The movie opens with the brutal crucifixion of Jesus and the subsequent sealing of his tomb by the Roman authorities. In the days following the crucifixion, rumors begin to circulate that Jesus’ body has disappeared and that he has risen from the dead. Clavius is ordered by Pilate to investigate these claims in order to quell any potential unrest.

Initially, Clavius is convinced that the missing body is due to theft by the disciples. He sets out to track down and interrogate the followers of Jesus, hoping to find evidence to support his theory. However, as he delves deeper into the investigation, he becomes increasingly conflicted by the evidence he uncovers.

As Clavius interviews those who claim to have seen Jesus after his resurrection, he is struck by their unwavering faith. These individuals are willing to die for their beliefs, despite the skepticism of those around them. Clavius begins to question his own doubts and eventually experiences a crisis of faith.

In one particularly poignant scene, Clavius confronts Jesus himself. The two engage in a dialogue about the nature of faith, and Jesus challenges Clavius to open his heart and mind to the possibility of something greater than himself. This conversation is a turning point for Clavius, as he begins to see the world through a different lens and grapples with the idea that Jesus may indeed be the son of God.

The theme of skepticism is prevalent throughout the movie, and Clavius embodies this skepticism in his character arc. As a Roman tribune, he values logic and certainty above all else. However, his investigation into the missing body of Jesus forces him to confront the idea that there may be more to the world than what can be seen and measured.

On the other hand, the theme of faith is portrayed through the various characters who believe in Jesus, including Mary Magdalene and the apostle Peter. These individuals are willing to endure persecution and even death for their beliefs, highlighting the power of faith and its ability to inspire steadfast devotion.

Overall, Risen is a thought-provoking and emotional film that explores the themes of skepticism and faith. The story of Clavius’ journey from doubt to faith is a powerful one, and the movie serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of belief. The film encourages viewers to approach the world with an open heart and mind, and to consider the possibility that there may be more than meets the eye.