Since Resurrection Sunday is coming up in less than a week, I thought this would be a good opportunity to give you guys a list of some memorable scenes in Christian movies and books. So stay tuned for some good movies to watch this Easter season!
At first, I was going to compile a list of my favorite Resurrection-themed movies. However, I realized that there are several other movies and books that I wanted to feature in this post. So, instead, here is a list of some of the best character encounters with the cross (in no particular order).
(Warning: Spoilers ahead.)
- The Pilgrim’s Progress
This book is one of the most well-known Christian works to be written, and the scene at the cross is very moving. I also love the scenes in both the live-action and animated movie versions.
In the animated version, Christian arrives at a steep hill, at the top of which is a cross. As he climbs, the burden on his back loosens, and he begins to run towards the cross. At the top of the hill, the burden falls away and rolls down the hill into an empty tomb. Overcome with awe and emotion, Christian raises his arms and shouts, “I’m free!” This cry of victory spreads throughout the kingdom, reaching Appolyon’s dark lair, as well as the City of Destruction.
In the live-action version, the scene is much quieter, but moving nonetheless. As Christian approaches the cross, his burden falls away and disappears. Falling to his knees, Christian simply whispers with tear-filled eyes, “Thank you.”
- Ben-Hur
While I haven’t read the book (yet), this movie is among my favorites. It’s packed full of symbolism and a great theme. By the time Judah arrives at the cross, we’ve already been taken through a long journey and we’ve seen that revenge doesn’t satisfy. But Judah—and the audience—are wondering… if revenge isn’t the answer, then what is?
As Jesus is hanging on the cross, Judah can’t help but question this pattern of death… even the Son of God must die. Yet hope begins to glimmer in his heart. Out of all the suffering and death in the world, perhaps this death will be the one to bring life.
Of Jesus’ words, “Father, forgive them,” Judah later tells Esther, “His voice took the sword out of my hand.” If even Jesus—who had done nothing wrong—could forgive those who were at that moment putting him to death, then surely Judah could forgive those who had wronged him. And this is where the true Climax comes to an end… when Judah recognizes that true peace and satisfaction are found in forgiveness, not revenge.
- Vinegar Boy
This book isn’t very well-known, but it’s one of my favorites. Pretty much the whole thing takes place on the day of Jesus’ death, and most of that is at the cross. However, one scene in this book stands out to me.
After Jesus’ body is taken off the cross and buried, Vinegar Boy (he has no real name) is still sitting on the hill. His friend, Marconius the centurion, is shaken by what’s taken place on the hill that day. At last, Marconius approaches the empty cross and places his sword at its foot. With simple words of faith, he turns from his sin and trusts the One who had died on that cross.
As Marconius kneels there, someone else comes up the hill. It’s Barabbas, the freed criminal whom Vinegar Boy had helped. Marconius reaches for his sword again, ready to defend himself. But Vinegar Boy, fearing for Barabbas’ life, knocks the sword away. It lands at Barabbas’ feet, and Marconius knows that the outlaw could kill him in an instant.
However, after a moment, the outlaw kicks it away. He has come to realize that the Man who died in his place offers a better way to live. There, in the shadow of the empty cross, two men who were once mortal enemies clasp hands in friendship.
- Titus, a Comrade of the Cross
I also haven’t read this book, but I’ve listened to the audio drama produced by Lamplighter Theatre. It’s a very moving story that portrays many of the people whom Jesus met during His ministry. The story all comes down to the scene where Titus is hanging on the cross next to Jesus. He knows he’s made bad choices in his life, but he knows just as well that Jesus has never done anything wrong. So, in full repentance and faith, he asks Jesus to save him.
- Fireproof
This is one of my favorite movies… if you haven’t seen it, I would highly recommend it. While the movie is primarily about a man’s struggle to save his marriage, there’s a scene at the Midpoint that is incredibly powerful.
Up until this point, Caleb has been doing the Love Dare half-heartedly. He and his dad are walking on a wooded trail, and Caleb is trying to explain why he’s finally done with the Dare. As they approach an outdoor chapel for an abandoned campground, Caleb seats himself on a tree stump. He begins to list off one thing after another to his dad… how he’s tried and tried to save his marriage, but his wife keeps rejecting him and throwing it all back in his face. He’s given everything, but she doesn’t even seem to care.
As Caleb’s complaints go on, his dad slowly begins to walk around the rows of seats toward the front of the chapel. Finally, Caleb finishes his tirade and looks up. Instead of responding, his dad simply leans against the cross, looking at his son with knowing eyes.
And then Caleb gets it. Everything he’d just said—everything that his wife had been doing—is exactly what he’s doing to God. With his father looking on, Caleb bows his head, giving his life fully to Jesus.
- Left Behind
The 2000 “Left Behind” movie also has a lot of memorable moments (again, I haven’t read the book yet). However, one of its most moving scenes comes soon after all of the Christians have vanished in the Rapture. An assistant pastor named Bruce is sitting at the front of a church auditorium… in utter disbelief that he has been left behind. He realizes that everything—his whole life, practically—has been a lie. He goes through many emotions… shock, cynicism, and even anger as he knocks the cross at the front of the church to the ground. Finally, he falls on his knees before the fallen cross, crying out to God to save him.
Another main character, Ray, happens to be walking into the church at that moment. He hears the heartfelt plea for forgiveness, and it’s all the encouragement he needs. He knows that he’s been rejecting God for far too long already.
As Ray heads down the aisle towards the cross, Bruce asks God to use him in some way. Tears flooding his eyes, Ray puts a hand on Bruce’s shoulder, telling him, “He already has.” The scene ends with both men kneeling at the front of the church, in awe of the forgiveness of God.
- Do You Believe?
This movie is pretty much all about the cross. Early on in the story, one of the main characters, a pastor named Matthew, gives out small crosses during a church service. Those crosses end up touching numerous lives, including a dying atheist, a homeless single mom, a gang member, and a suicidal ex-Marine. The Climax of the movie even comes to a head on a bridge, underneath a cross.
However, one of the most significant scenes with the cross happens much earlier in the movie. Matthew is driving home late at night, when he sees an older man walking down the street, carrying a cross. The man is preaching to anyone who will listen—which, most people won’t.
Matthew rolls down his window and begins to talk to the man. During the conversation, the man asks him, “Do you believe in the cross of Christ?” Matthew responds, “I’m a pastor, so…” The man responds, “You didn’t answer my question. I asked if you believe in the cross of Christ.” Later, before the man turns to leave, he looks Matthew straight in the eyes and tells him, “If you believe, then the question is… what are you gonna do about it?”
This statement is basically the entire premise of the movie and a challenge to anyone who is watching. Pretty much anyone can shout “Amen” and say that they believe in Jesus. But if the cross has really touched us—if we’ve truly been changed by it—then it’s going to show up in our lives.
I hope this post has been a blessing to you, and maybe it has inspired you to watch/read some of these movies and books for yourself. But, most of all, I hope that it’s caused you to consider the wonder of the cross, and what it represents. As the Bible says in 1 Corinthians, “The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”
Comment below your favorite character encounter with the cross!