Have you noticed our fascination with superheroes? They are a cultural phenomenon. They are the subjects of comic books and blockbuster movies. It is not uncommon to see someone dress up as their favorite superhero.
But what is it that makes these superheroes so fascinating? Their super power is the obvious answer. Each super hero has a unique ability that sets them apart from the rest of us. Their super power is something that makes them special.
A second reason we are fascinated with these superheroes is that they are equally human. They have their struggles and they have their flaws. We are able to identify with them and we are encouraged by their ability to overcome the obstacles in front of them.
A third reason is they are heroes. We love our heroes. On Monday this week we celebrated our American military heroes who gave their lives for the cause of freedom. We celebrate our heroes and they inspire us. Even though superheroes may live in the fantasy world, they give hope in the darkest moments. They remind us that good will triumph over evil.
As I talk about superheroes, I am reminded how Jesus is the ultimate superhero. He has amazing superpowers. His powers are to heal the sick, cast out demons, make the lame to walk, and raise the dead. The best thing about his powers are they are real and not make-believe.
Beyond his superpowers, Jesus is amazingly human. He is God made flesh. He became one of us. He emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of man. (Philippians 2:7). We can relate to Jesus. Even though he is all-powerful and clothed in majesty, he disguised himself in human flesh that we might know God and live in relationship with him.
He is our hero. He won salvation. He saves us from ourselves, from sin, from Satan, and from death. He won the victory over the grave through his resurrection. He took our sin upon himself and received our punishment, so that we might be free from guilt. We simply believe in him as our saving superhero.
Yes, Jesus is the original and ultimate superhero, but here is something else you need to know: he has given you a mission to also live as a superhero in this world. Through his Holy Spirit you are given powers and abilities beyond your own strength and wisdom. You are empowered and anointed with his presence. He supernaturally equips you for every task he assigns.
While Superman’s weakness was Kryptonite, your weakness is doubt. You doubt the supernatural ability God gives. You believe God can, but you doubt he will. It is much easier to sit back and blend in than it is to stand up and stand out. You probably have noticed superheroes wear elaborate costumes. They stand out. The costume draws attention to their abilities. As superheroes are clothed with elaborate costumes, you are to be clothed with Christ. It is not to draw attention to yourself, but to draw attention to the power of Christ at work in you (2 Corinthians 12:9–10).
So how is your identity as a superhero for Christ revealed? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. Over the next couple of weeks we will be looking at some superhero stories in the Bible and how God used some very ordinary people with some flaws of “Biblical proportions” to accomplish amazing and extraordinary feats.
Sue Kessler says
For some reason people tell me things that make them sad or upset. I listen and then pass it on to Christ. This happens all over. People I do not know at stores or even on a bus once just start telling me things that are making their life hard. Thank You Lord that I take time to listen and care.
Sara Studebaker says
Hi,
I came across your super hero series while researching for ideas for the same thing for my children’s group. Can you recommend any resources or verses that I can use?
Thanks
studebaker.sara@gmail.com
Phil Ressler says
Hi Sara- I am not sure what type of resources you are looking for. During this series we simply looked at the Bible stories. Sometimes it is about just going back to the basics. The main point we kept coming back to during this series is that Jesus is the ultimate superhero. All these people in the Bible had major flaws. Do a google search on “flaws of Biblical proportions” and you will find a funny video. Not appropriate for a children’s group, but you might like it. My point to our church was that if God can use these people, he can use you. As messed up as you might be, you are probably not as messed up as some of these people in the Bible. Last summer we used Weird Animals VBS. It also talked about how God uses imperfect people. There is also a song – “Jesus you’re my superhero” we used.