The movie Dark Knight Rises ends with Batman being chased by police. He just saved Gotham City, but has allowed the police to think he did something wrong. As the chase goes on, Commissioner Gordon’s son asks why this is happening when Batman did not actually do anything wrong. The commissioner tells him that Batman is the hero Gotham deserves, but not the one it needs. He is a protector and guardian, a dark knight.
This may be an excellent cinematic scene, but Batman falls flat compared to the heroic work of Christ. In fact, Jesus should be described as the opposite: He is not the hero we deserve, but the one we need. Humans have rebelled against God by sinning and deserve to be separated from Him. Thankfully, in His great love, God chose to offer salvation so we may be redeemed. Jesus is the hero to our sin problem as a perfect sacrifice. As we celebrate the arrival of our hero at Christmas, Hebrews 1:1-4 reminds us of a few reasons to adore our savior.
1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. – Hebrews 1:1-4
- Through Jesus, God communicated the whole truth
Throughout the Bible, God revealed Himself to us in many ways, mainly through prophets. Each prophet usually received messages centered around a single main idea, such as justice or holiness. In Christ, God has ended our need for prophets by revealing the complete truth of His love and forgiveness.
- The full revelation of Jesus is superior
The Old Testament prophets spoke God’s words, but Jesus is God so His message has greater power and authority. Jesus stepped into the world He created to fulfill the role of a savior that God had planned long before. He came to reveal His glory and wisdom as God in the flesh.
- Jesus was superior because He not only spoke the message, but achieved the message
Unlike the prophets who simply shared words, Jesus actually fulfilled the promises of God. He made purification for our sins through His death and resurrection, and He ascended to a position of authority and honor at the right hand of God. Jesus is greater than all prophets and angels as the only one who could actually accomplish the work of salvation.
Since Jesus is God in the flesh, He has all authority and power. This was true during His ministry and after His resurrection, but it was also true at His birth. Let us adore our savior who was born not to bring the judgement we deserve, but to be the hero we need to rescue us from sin.