
The book is somewhat of a response to Mel Gibson’s movie, Passion of the Christ, which shows the suffering of Christ, but, does not address why He suffered. The bodily suffering of Christ was not exclusive. Many people through history have died equally agonizing physical deaths. While Jesus’ physical pain should never be forgotten, it is His separation from God, His endurance for others, His ultimate sacrifice and His substitutionary punishment that Piper tries to communicate. God’s design is the primary issue.
On the cross Jesus completed the work God sent Him to accomplish. His resurrection was confirmation that God was pleased with what had been achieved. This book is about the passion of Jesus and what it accomplished for humankind. Piper’s book is a good resource for nonbelievers, skeptics, new believers and seasoned Christians.
Markedly more significant than who killed Jesus or the details of His death is what God accomplished for sinners like us in sending His Son to suffer and die. Piper does a fine job of conveying that message.