John the Baptist is sitting in jail, about to be executed. In a dark moment, his faith begins to waver. Seeking assurance, he sends his followers to Jesus, with the simple question, “Are you the one?”
This query 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.”
Using movie references to illuminate a biblical passages are frequently employed 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.
A lifelong student of the Bible, Peter DeHaan, PhD, wrote the 1,000-page website ABibleADay.com to encourage people to explore the Bible. His main blog and many books urge Christians to push past the status quo and reconsider how they practice their faith in every area of their lives.
