“The
Count of Monte Cristo”
That’s
Ironic
Lesson Plan
for Count of Monte Cristo
Matthew 26:49 (KJV) And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
Luke 23:34 (KJV) Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know
not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Does anyone know the
definition of ironic? Webster defines
it as some dealing with irony or sarcastic.
Others define it as the opposite happening then was expected.
A
few days ago the story of the ”Count of Monte Cristo” came to mind. I decided to contrast two films the “Count
of Monte Cristo” with the “Passion of Christ.”
In both cases a man was betrayed by a friend and suffered
brutality. Monte Cristo escaped and
took revenge. Christ died for the salvation of his tormentors. Revenge may be
sweet but forgiveness is divine.
Monte
Cristo is the ultimate story of revenge.
Edmond Dantes was falsely accused of a crime. He was sent to prison where he suffered isolation and brutality. Dantes was convicted because of the false
evidence given by one he considered a friend.
Dantes escaped by playing dead.
He found a treasure and became a wealthy man. Dantes then took revenge on the one who falsely accused him.
The
passion of Christ is a vivid display of Christ’s suffering. Christ also was falsely accused and betrayed
by a friend. But Jesus forgave his
accusers, is the savior of the world and sits on God’s right hand. Can you imagine the kind of revenue of which
he would have been capable? Jesus is
God’s Son the Bible says he could have summoned legions of angels.[1] Dantes revenue was sweet by the world’s
standard. But Christ’s forgiveness for
all of us is divine.
I
was looking up the correct spelling of Monte Cristo and imagine my surprise to
find the same man, Jim Caviezel, starred in both films. There are no
coincidences with God and he never wastes.
It become crystal clear that it was not I writing this illustration.
Father
we are grateful for your love, your forgiveness, and the way you make your
presence known. Amen
