Answers
By BGEA Admin • January 21, 2019 • Topics: Jesus Christ
Q:
I have taught children for years and know how impressionable they are. A church in the area presented a play with someone portraying Jesus as a cultural superhero. I discouraged parents from taking their children to see it. Was I wrong?
A:
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
The dictionary defines a “superhero” as a “benevolent fictional character.” While Jesus Christ is certainly benevolent, He is not fictional but the One and only Son of God clothed in human flesh. His purpose was not to save people from a villain, but from sin.
Children need to understand that Jesus performed miracles that transformed people’s lives—He didn’t come to entertain mankind. He is not a caped crusader—He is the crucified Christ. He is not make-believe—He is Master. He is not a legend—He is Lord. He isn’t created by fantasy—He is favored by God. He is not an icon—He is the Intercessor. He is not a force — He is the Forgiver. He is not imaginary—He is infallible. He does not vanish into exile—He redeems to the end. He is not a virtual winner—He is the Victor. He does not resemble hope—He is the resurrection of hope. He is not a revolutionary—He is the Righteous Ruler. He is not a superhero who falters—He is the Savior who rescues. He is not a knight in hiding—He is the coming King.
God bless teachers who love the Lord and impart truth to their students. While fantasy encourages creativity in children, we must remember that when it comes to the things of God, truth is what is most important. God gave us children so we could prepare them to become adults. Let’s remember to “train up a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6).
(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
