'The Last Temptation' is an historical novel written by Nikos Kazantzakis first published in its original Greek in 1952. On the 12th of August 1988 Martin Scorsese's film 'The Last Temptation' of Christ' was released in America. In late August 1988 I had my 'experience' and six hours later I was 'told'. In October of 1988 the film was released in Australia. I attempted to see this film at the Russell Street cinemas in the city but was dissuaded by Greek Orthodox Christians protesting at the door. Later on in that year, in Townsville actually, I bought the novel and read it avidly. I finally saw the movie on video in the privacy of my own home the following year.
What was so contentious about this splendid film, this film that so changed my life? Of course it was the idea that Jesus got off the cross before he died and hence lived a long life - marrying, having children and eventually being on his death bed at the time Jerusalem fell to Rome. This was his last temptation. At the very end he returns to the cross and dies.
After having read the book and seeing Willem Dafoe's wonderful portrayal of Jesus, I asked many questions and indeed researched much. I had to understand what happened after the cross. When Jesus was back, and Thomas touching his wounded hands is enough for me, I often wondered where did he then go? It is written he ascended to Heaven after forty days. I just couldn't believe this and still don't. He must have gone somewhere. Years later, after much consideration, it dawned on me. He left Israel.
How did he do it? The clue that clinched it for me was my beautiful little brother, Jeremy. He changed his given name to Jez. Thus, he became Jez Paul. Jez died of cancer in 2001 and ever since I've slept in 'Jez's' room.
Paul wasn't Saul, he was Jesus - not on the road to Damascus but on the road to Greece! He had to leave - Pilate and co. wanted him dead.
The first time the New Testament appeared in the world was in Greece. Jesus, in his 60's, wrote many 'books', of which Rome garnered the 27 we have in Christian Scripture today. In his 30's he was miraculous. Can you imagine the man with another thirty years experience? A genius. Surely, a man sent from God who married perfectly Hebrew and Greek wisdom to a tee.
Can you imagine being crucified? What your body would go through? In late August 1988 I died for a short time. About six hours later I was in immense pain, my heart was really in agony. Still, I was rewarded with a vision that lasted about forty seconds. After the cross Jesus was rewarded with a vision - it wasn't Paul, it was him. Like Leonard, I'm sure he too would have 'seen' into the future.
Golgotha was only the mid-point of his life, not the end.
He knew of this day and I thank him, now.
One more thing. Did he write in code or in parable? Did Nostradamus? Even Cohen? They had to
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- Willem Dafoe playing Jesus
'In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer' - Albert Camus
