Everyone loves a hero. This is evident when we witness the popularity of the comic book-inspired movies depicting characters such as Spiderman, Iron Man, and The Incredible Hulk. Many of us are drawn to these icons of courage and goodwill. The hero always comes out on top, always defeats the enemy. The most beloved superheroes are larger than life. There is still one who is the greatest superhero.
What Superheroes are Like
Superheroes make it their mission to rescue those who find themselves captured in the clutches of evil masterminds; they seek justice for the helpless. They are stronger, faster, braver. They can do amazing things that defy logic. Their abilities are superhuman. Superman can bend steel, peer through walls, and soar through the air. Bullets bounce off his chest like targeted ping pong balls, but he melts and cringes before kryptonite.
Jesus is the Greatest Superhero
Jesus is also a Superhero – the greatest Superhero of all. Yes, he has “super powers”. He can raise the dead and heal the sick. He created the earth and every sphere in space. With the breath of His mouth, he made man. With a word, he calmed the raging sea of Galilee and effortlessly walked on water. His life and works are real and not fictitious. But in order to comprehend the full extent of his power, we must understand the insidious evil he came to overcome. This evil is found in the heart of every man. It is what the Bible calls sin. We sin when we miss the mark of God’s holiness.
We are in Need of Him
The Bible says that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). We are familiar with acts of sin like murder and adultery, but we also sin when we tell a white lie or burn with anger towards someone. We sin when we hurt one another or fail to forgive or think lustful thoughts of someone.
Jesus on the Cross
The Bible also says the payment for our sin is death or eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23). Jesus displayed his ultimate power when he conquered sin. Jesus, who was and is fully human and fully God, laid down his life to defeat sin. Here is what the Bible says about this extraordinary act:
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:5-8 NIV
When he hung upon the cross – beaten, bruised, and bloody – He willingly died and paid the price for all of our sin. John 3:16 says, ”God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Jesus, our real superhero, is Almighty and All Powerful, and yet he humbled himself on our behalf. “He who knew no sin, became sin for us all that we could be made righteous in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21). He paid the price, his death on a cross, so that we could live. Three days after He died, the great power of the Lord was unleashed; He rose from the dead and He secured a place in heaven for those who will accept his forgiveness. We deserve hell’s condemnation, but Jesus took the bullet for our sin. He suffered, died, and victoriously rose again from the grave. If you haven’t embraced Christ’s forgiveness, pray this prayer….
Dear Almighty God,
Thank you for sending Jesus, the greatest Hero of all, to die in my place. I admit that I am a sinner, and I have disobeyed you in many ways. Your forgiveness is what I need. I believe you laid down your life for me, and I believe you rose from the dead. Lord, I surrender all to you. I receive your forgiveness, and I choose to serve you all of my days. In Jesus’ name, I pray. amen.
What to do Once You Have Received Christ
If you prayed this prayer from your heart, you have been born again. Congratulations! Heaven is now your home, and you are a welcomed member of God’s family. Here are some helpful hints to aid you in your growth as a new believer…
- Read the Bible Daily– it is food for the soul.
- Pray – Talk to your Heavenly Father. He is Your Friend and He will talk to you as well.
- Start attending a loving, Spirit-filled church that teaches from the Bible.
- Tell others about your newfound relationship with Jesus.
