The screenplay writers of The Passion are keen to emphasise that the values of Jesus are at odds with those of both Caiaphas and Pilate. Salvation is not to be found in the Temple, but in people's hearts. Passover and the legal requirements are to be followed, but not if they get in the way of Love.
Love turns out to be a revolutionary idea. Jesus has overturned the tables not only, literally, of the money changers in his Father's house, but also, figuratively, of the Temple Council and the Roman Guard. They have no option but to take note of him and his influence. They begin the plot to get rid of him.
It is clear from both the Gospel accounts and the depiction in The Passion that Jesus wanted his disciples to observe the Passover and obey the law. "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and render to God the things that are God's".
But there is a higher law: with a capital 'L'. It is a revolutionary law. It is a law which turns tables upside down in the passion for justice. It is a law which challenges the norms of society that are based on power and authority. It is a law which changes hearts and minds. It is a law which wins in the end. It is both the First Commandment and the Greatest Commandment. It is the law of Love.
What tables should we be overturning? What authorities should we be confronting? What lies are we to reveal in the search for truth? What revolution should we be engaged in? Whatever it is, we need to be followers of Jesus - and do it with Love.
Jim Currin, Church Army, represents the Group for Evangelisation of Churches Together in England
