When the apostle Paul went to Athens, he found an inroad to speak to them about Jesus through their popular (pop) culture. He found something common to them (the alter to the unknown god) and used that as an avenue to preach the Gospel (Act 17:23). It is in that same spirit, that I would like to use the DC comic hero “Superman” to preach Jesus. As I watched “Man of Steel” last week, I was struck by the many similarities between Superman, and the real Superman, Jesus Christ. Let’s get into God’s Word.
First of all we see, that, like Jesus, Superman came to this earth from another world: 1Cor 15:47 “The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.” Jesus is the Eternal God. He came from Heaven. Though He took on human flesh, He is not of earth. He was sent here by His Father for a great purpose. Like Superman, Jesus was raised by earthly parents (Lk 2:48-52). Can you imagine raising Superman? Can you imagine raising God? Great grace had to be upon those parents!
Like Superman, Jesus’ true identity was hidden until an appointed time (Mk 1:9-11). It wasn’t until Jesus’ baptism that He started His earthly ministry. This is a good lesson for us all: God has an appointed time. We must not force things. We must simply prepare and trust, and know God will bring His destiny for us to pass, if we are willing and obedient.
Like Superman, Jesus cared about people, and helped them: Act 10:38 “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” Superman can’t help helping people. He had to always move around, as to not draw too much attention - just like Jesus. The compassion of Jesus would not allow Him to pass up someone in need.
Superman, like Jesus, has supernatural power. Jesus could feed thousands with little food; walk on water; open blind eyes; raise people from the dead; know people’s thoughts; etc. Superman has x-ray vision; supernatural strength; can fly faster than a speeding bullet; etc.
Jesus, like Superman, restrained Himself from using his power to hurt people. Superman endured much mocking and bullying, but restrained himself from using his power to retaliate. Jesus bore an abundance of ridicule, mockery, and hate - but He loved. He didn’t use His power to hurt them - though He could have (Mt 26:53). He Himself said He came to save men’s lives - not to destroy them.
Jesus loved and was concerned for His widowed mother (Jn 19:26-27), even as Superman did his. Like Jesus, Superman is a righteous man. Pilate said of Jesus three times in John, "I find no fault in Him" (Jn 18:38, 19:4 & 6). There is inherent goodness in Him. Like Superman and Jesus, may we be men of valor and women of virtue. May we be good, righteous, & noble. This world needs more Christ-like men… men like Superman. Men tough as steel and gentle as doves. Men that love - and because they love – they stand and fight for what is right.
Like superman, Jesus hates evil and was to destroy it (1Jn 3:8b). Good cannot stand back and tolerate evil. It must speak. It must do. Like Bonheoffer wrote, “To not act is to act; to not decide is to decide”. It’s right to hate evil. It’s right to fight against it. We are to love people, but hate evil.
Superman, like Jesus, was to be the savior of mankind (1Jn 4:14). The difference is, that Superman can only be a physical savior - while Jesus saves the eternal soul from eternal damnation. Trust in Jesus today to save your soul. He is more than able. In the movie, the intention of Superman’s father was that Superman would be a bridge between their world and our world. That is exactly what Jesus is. He is the bridge between heaven and earth. That is our Heavenly Father’s intention.
Finally, Jesus - like Superman - is always there for us (Heb 7:25, 13:5, 4:14-16). At the end of “Man of Steel”, we are assured that Superman will always be there for us in our time of need. This is a picture of Jesus. Of course we know that while Superman is a fictional character, The Lord Jesus Christ is as real as real can get. Jesus is always, always, always there for us. He is faithful. He is truly the real “Superman”. The God-man. The Savior of the world.
These are seven Biblical principles I took away from “Man of Steel” : 1. Be humble, and submit to God's will & timing. 2. Care about people. 3. Use our power and influence for good. 4. Walk in righteousness. 5. Hate evil & fight against it. 6. Point men to The Savior, Jesus . 7. Be there for people. Until next time, rejoice in The Lord!
More from Focus on Faith.