As I often do over the Easter holiday, I watched a film that has the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ central to the story. This year, it was "Risen," a film about a Roman soldier named Clavius (played by Joseph Fiennes), an attache to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. The crucifixion of Christ has already taken place as the film opens, and Pilate has been warned that Jesus' followers may steal the body and proclaim that He has risen from the dead. Unlike the other executed criminals, whose bodies are thrown into a pit on the outskirts of the city, Christ's body is taken by Joseph of Arimathea and placed in their family tomb. Pilate orders Clavius to seal the tomb and ensure that it is not disturbed after he is buried.
Despite Clavius' best efforts, the ropes and seals of Jesus' tomb are found to burst two days after His burial, the stone that closed it has been moved away, and the body of Jesus is gone. Pilate tells Clavius that he must find the body before the arrival of Tiberius Caesar 10 days hence. In the process of searching for Jesus' body and interrogating His followers, Clavius is witness to events that prompt him to leave his duties and undertake a quest in pursuit of the truth. I'll refrain from saying more, should anyone reading this wish to watch the film. (I recommend it.)
I've seen "Risen" several times before. But what struck me this time was........