The Gospel and The Avengers

If you’ve been watching the news, you probably know that the biggest movie of the year needs but a few million dollars more to overtake James Cameron’s Avatar as the highest grossing film of all time. Released on April 22 this year, the movie is still running strong in theatres — and not without reason.

Avengers: Endgame is an action-packed motion picture that sums up a conglomerate of Marvel movies. It was the highly anticipated conclusion to Avengers: Infinity War and it did not fail my expectations. Going into the movie, I knew some characters would be returning from their untimely demise in the prior movie, while also expecting other characters to meet their doom as well. But as I sat in the theatre, watching the story unfold, I began to recognise the story followed a familiar narrative.

Picture this: the world has been plunged into darkness where evil has seemingly won, and all previous efforts to restore it had failed. There’s only one way to get everyone back, there is only one team who can do it, and there is only one sacrificial character who ultimately gives his/her life in order to save everyone else. Sound familiar?

As I was sitting there, watching the story play out on the big screen, it was the Gospel story that I saw unfold before my eyes. To me, one of the most powerful moments in the movie was when the characters were brought back to fight Thanos. It was undeniably awesome. The characters that we thought were dead had been resurrected to new life in order to defeat the evil in the universe.

Because Jesus Christ is the only One who defeated death by raising Himself from the dead, those who believe in Him are also assured of life after death

Spot the gospel

Now, I know you are probably asking, “What has Avengers: Endgame got to do with resurrection, the gospel and my life?” First, let Avengers: Endgame give you a glimpse into the future hope of resurrection as a Christian. Because Jesus Christ is the only One who defeated death once and for all by raising Himself from the dead (John 2:19-21, John 10:18), those who believe in Him are also assured of resurrection and eternal life (Romans 6:5). So, unlike the characters in the movie that will die again, Christians have the promise of life after death.

Second, recognise the gospel story in the movie and use the movie as a tool to share the gospel! Everyone has an opinion on the movie and pretty much everyone is still talking about it — use it to your advantage. Do what I did: dissect the story line and then connect that to the gospel. It’s simple to do and an easy entry into spiritual conversations.

Third, live in a resurrection mindset. We have a hope that is imperishable and eternal because of Christ’s perfect work and sacrifice on the cross. Share that hope with others! One question I asked myself — and I think you should too — is, “Am I as excited about sharing the gospel as much as I am about talking about Avengers: Endgame.” Get excited! Because, unlike the superheroes on the big screen that will continuously fail us, we can trust in Christ who will never fail us.