How a superhero movie points us toward Jesus
Have you ever walked out of a movie theater feeling like you just sat through a sermon?
That’s how I felt after watching the new Superman film.
Now, I went in expecting action, drama, and some epic cape-flapping scenes — you know, the usual superhero stuff. But what I wasn’t expecting was how deeply the film would reflect spiritual truths. Beneath the superhuman strength and high-flying rescues was a story about identity, hope, sacrifice, and choosing good in a world that doesn’t always appreciate it.
It was, in many ways, the Gospel in disguise.
1. Identity: Living Between Two Worlds
Superman — or Kal-El — is born of another world, but raised on Earth. He’s an outsider trying to live among us, never quite fitting in, yet choosing to belong anyway.
That tension is something every Christian can relate to. Philippians 3:20 says, “Our citizenship is in heaven.” We are people living in a world that is not our final home. Like Clark Kent, we walk around in ordinary clothes while carrying something extraordinary inside us — the Spirit of Christ.
The new Superman movie doesn’t just entertain — it holds up a mirror to our identity. Are we living into who we truly are in Christ? Or are we trying to fit in where we were never meant to?
2. Power Used for Good
Superman has unmatched power, but he doesn’t use it to rule. He uses it to serve.
Sound familiar?
Philippians 2:6-7 says Jesus, “though He was in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage… but emptied Himself.”
Jesus had all authority, but He chose humility. Superman echoes that principle — a strong being who doesn’t lord his strength over others, but steps in to protect the weak, restore justice, and bring peace.
In our world of power struggles and self-promotion, that message is deeply countercultural.
3. Choosing to Belong
Superman will never fully be “one of us.” But he chooses to belong. He plants roots. He lives with empathy. He bears the burden of being misunderstood because he knows his mission.
Jesus, too, stepped into our world knowing He would be rejected. “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him” (John 1:11). But He came anyway. He chose to be with us. He entered into our pain, our humanity, our suffering.
It’s a reminder that true belonging isn’t about perfect acceptance — it’s about chosen love.
4. Hope in a Cynical World
One of the most moving lines in the movie is when Superman is asked why he still believes in doing good when the world constantly doubts and misunderstands him.
His answer? “Because someone has to.”
That’s Gospel right there.
Romans 5:8 tells us, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus didn’t wait until we got our act together. He stepped into our mess and chose hope — because someone had to.
That’s the call on us as believers too. To stand for goodness even when it’s unpopular. To bring hope when the world expects despair. To reflect light even when darkness seems to win.
The Real Hero
Now, let me be clear: Superman isn’t Jesus. He’s a fictional character. But his story points us to something real. Something greater. A Savior who left His rightful place, entered our brokenness, restrained His power, and gave His life — not just to save us, but to restore us.
So the next time you watch a movie, especially one like Superman, keep your spiritual eyes open. You might be surprised where you see the fingerprints of God.
Because sometimes the Gospel comes wrapped in red capes and action scenes.
And when it does, it reminds us of who we are, who we belong to, and who we’re called to be.
Closing Thought:
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.
Live with courage.
Act with compassion.
And shine with hope in a world that desperately needs it.
Because someone has to.
And by God’s grace — you can.
R Y A N S T R A T T O N 