John the Baptist sits in jail, about to be executed. In a dark moment, his faith begins to waiver. Seeking assurance, he sends his followers to Jesus, with the simple question, “Are you the one?”
This question reminds me of the movie The Matrix where people keep asking Neo, “Are you the one?” Some think he is, some aren’t sure, and some doubt, but all are wondering.
All that is, except for Morpheus, who plainly proclaims to Neo, “You are the one.”
Morpheus’s simple statement of faith to Neo reminds me of Peter’s confident confession to Jesus, when he plainly proclaims, “You are the Christ.”
Tapping movie references to illuminate a biblical passages are frequently done and helpfully presented.
However, if someone were to consider an illustration like this 2,000 years in the future, or even a couple of centuries hence, they would be confused.
They would not know of Neo or Morpheus. They would not have watched The Matrix and our modern cinema would likely be a mystery to them.
What clarifies today would be confusing later, just as some of Jude’s cryptic references in his letter where helpful back then, but are confusing today.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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