Risen

Happy Easter!  Today, Christians around the world celebrate Jesus' resurrection from the dead, three days after being crucified.  It's thus appropriate to watch Risen, the 2016 release which looks at the manhunt that [probably] ensued after this miracle.

During His ministry, Jesus claimed to be God and predicted His execution.  He also claimed that He would rise from the dead on the third day.  The Jewish leaders, knowing this, had His tomb guarded (see Matthew 27:62-28:15).    On the third day, the body disappeared.  Though Biblical accounts (and, as far as I know, no other narratives) don't discuss a manhunt for Him, it makes sense that one would occur- both Jewish religious leaders and Roman city administrators would want to avoid the potential havoc such a miracle could cause.  Risen is the film that speculates on what such a manhunt would look like.  The Roman in charge of the investigation can't come to grips with what he eventually sees . . . can it all be true?

This is a decent film.  Though unnecessarily cheesy in places (alas, a common problem with Christian films), it still has value in showing what those days after the resurrection could have been like.  And it does draw much material from Scripture- particularly the several apostolic encounters with Christ.

For Christians, Jesus' resurrection means everything.  As Paul says, "if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile" (see 1 Corinthians 15:12-19).  He is risen; we rejoice.

Rating: B