More Superhero Films?

They are known as ‘Super Heroes'. They received life through the Marvel comic books, some of which can be quite valuable today depending on the issue. But in the last few years some of these fictional characters, once confined to the printed page or in cartoon form, have made their way to theatres and have enjoyed great success.

But Marvel Comics has now announced plans for even more of the highly successful films, plus an 'Iron Man' sequel to follow the current box office hit that grossed 100 million dollars in its first weekend. The future films will feature the Incredible Hulk, Captain America, Thor, and eventually Ant Man.

The idea of a good and powerful being who protects the innocent and triumphs over evil began long before the first Marvel version hit the news stands. The Scriptures clearly describe one who alone possessed the motive and ability to fully defeat evil in the real world. This stunning feat was made possible through his perfect life and sacrificial death rather than the raw force often portrayed by Marvel Comic’s super characters.

John 3 reveals the primary role of Jesus Christ. It was to expose, confront and destroy evil. Verse 8 reads, “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.”

Then Colossians 1 describes why Jesus Christ is the ultimate ‘Super man’. Verse 15-17 says, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.”

In other words, God’s Son was ‘the’ super man’ because He was, at the same time, a perfect man and the supreme God of creation!

The Apostle Paul offers his insight in Philippians 2 about how Christ would achieve such an astonishing feat. Verse 8 reads, “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” This mysterious concept is not easily understood but clearly taught in Scripture. In theological terms it is known as the ‘Hypostatic Union’ and it forms one of the great foundations of the Christian faith.

Christ’s voluntary sacrifice broke the bonds of evil while addressing the penalty for humanity’s sins. Beyond that, His loving redemptive actions also allowed those who trust Him to themselves become heroes of the faith. This is something graphically portrayed in Hebrews 11. After referring to some of the better known saints of the faith, the author widens the field starting in the 36th verse. “Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented - of whom the world was not worthy.”

Any who seek out a real life hero and flawless role model today need not spend their hard earned cash at the theatre in order to bond for a few hours with some fictional heroic character. Instead, they need look no further than to God’s Son.

Jesus Christ is the only perfect and complete role model. His love for a spiritually damaged race of men led to His incomprehensible heroics upon a cruel Roman cross. But His great work of redemption also includes constructing those who know Him and faithfully follow Him into real-life heroes of the faith.

Bill Breckenridge