This powerful scene takes place the night before Jesus is to be crucified on the Cross. And like the entire movie, in this final moment before Judas is about to betray him, according to Jesus's wishes, he kneels down before God in a final prayer. He is afraid to die on the Cross and asks God for something, some kind of message to tell him yes, this is right, and yes you must die on the Cross for the good of all humankind. He mentions to God all of the other ways in the Scripture that he revealed himself to others, the flaming chariot for Elijah, the burning bush for Moses, saving Abraham's son, etc, but no proof or affirmation arrives. Jesus must face this alone, and know in his own heart that he made the right decision. He asks God -- which is more beautiful? The world above or below? Out of all of the magnificent and powerful scenes which make up Martin Scorsese's brilliant film, this one seems the most powerful because in his prayer to God, Jesus is showing the struggle all people have, searching for some affirmation of the divine truth, some affirmation that what they are doing is right, and especially when facing death, looking for the affirmation that someone is there to protect them.

I'm still amazed to this day over the opposition to this film, because more than any other single film telling the story of Jesus, this one is by far the most realistic and most honest approach to Jesus, because I would much rather see a Jesus questioning and being tempted and then OVERCOMING it all to accept his death on the Cross, then a Jesus who is always portrayed as always knowing and accepting his fate. If Jesus was man, then that second notion is not realistic and not true -- if he was put on Earth to experience life as a man, then he should experience all of the experiences of man and all of the temptations of man, and overcome them. Martin Scorsese, through directing the film, and Willem Dafoe, through his performance, make the most honest interpretation of the Jesus story, and one of the most devoutly serious spiritual films I've ever experienced, and this film needs to be re-established as such.