The Last Temptation of Christ (1988): Returning to Your Purpose

An uplifting scene about overcoming the temptation to abandon your talent and potential

This is a special weekend if you believe in Jesus and/or follow his teachings about love. This movie is based on a book that fictionalizes parts of Jesus’s life but portrays the essence of his life in a way that moved me more than traditional Christian films. Take from it what you will or nothing at all if the fictional aspect offends you. ❤️

The Last Temptation of Christ is about the inner struggle of Jesus Christ as he faces his destiny to die on the cross to become a beacon of love and hope for humanity. The movie is based on a novel that portrays him as a human being who experiences doubt, fear, and temptation like the rest of us.

The final scene takes place with Jesus returning to reality on the cross after experiencing an illusion created by Satan to distract him from his true purpose. In this illusion, he is married with children and lives a normal life. However, when he notices the trick, he decides to return to the cross to conquer his fear and realize his full potential.

The end of this clip cuts off before the credits where the screeching sound turns into a beautiful tune by Peter Gabriel.

It is accomplished.

By showing Jesus being tempted by the illusion of a normal life, the movie highlights the human struggle to balance personal desires with a greater sense of purpose and duty. The final scene, with Jesus returning to the cross and dying for real, can be seen as a symbol of his ultimate triumph over temptation and his commitment to his true mission. The scene offers a powerful lesson about the importance of spiritual growth and the enduring power of faith.

I discovered this movie and rewatched this scene many times when going through my own period of spiritual growth that often left me feeling confused. The New Testament, this movie, and other Christian-based movies restored my faith that I was on the right track, despite mind tricks and temptations to return to old ways. More recently, this scene is encouraging me to move forward in my career instead of retreating. I’m tempted by leading a simple life that would not realize my talent. It’s laziness in disguise.

What inspires you to return to your talent, potential, and purpose?