Superman and Jesus

They just made another Superman movie, “Man of Steel.” It started me thinking about Superman and Jesus.

We know a lot about Superman’s origins.  In the Superman comics and movies, we learn that he was the sole survivor who escaped from the doomed planet Krypton. His parents put him on a rocket ship just before the planet exploded. He lands on planet earth where a family named Kent finds and adopts him.

We know little about his growing up years. His stories of heroism start when he was in his early 30s.  He is a reporter for the Daily Planet and his love interest, Lois Lane, also works there.

Whenever there is a crime, he ducks into a telephone booth (remember those?), changes into his superman cape and springs into action. He can leap tall buildings and do other impossible stuff. The biggest mystery is why Lois cannot figure out Clark’s real identity.

In the movies He battles evil gods and entities that try to control the planet and destroy him.

Jesus

His origins are well documented. His story starts in the Old Testament when prophets tell of his future arrival on earth. It details his genealogy. We learn that his father was the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary his mother. 

It continues in the New Testament with the familiar Christmas story. His earthly parents, Mary and Joseph go to Bethlehem to pay taxes. Mary is great with child and labor starts when they reach the city.  All the inns are filled but one innkeeper lets them use the stable. Mary gives birth there.

King Herod finds out about the new baby king and orders his soldiers to kill him. In the process they kill all the boy babies of the Jews.  His father in heaven protects him by telling Joseph to use a different route to return home.

We know very little of Jesus childhood except for the story of him preaching in the temple at age 12. He confounded the wise men with his knowledge and wisdom.

Both Superman and Jesus began with parents beyond the earth.  Both came to earth and humble families raised them. Both came into power at age 33, the ideal age. Both performed good deeds on earth.  Superman fought crime and defended the weak. Jesus made the blind to see, the deaf to hear, the lame to walk, and made the leper clean.

Both wanted anonymity. Superman hid behind his shy countenance and glasses. Jesus told people to go and to tell no one of the miracles they received.

The Real Superman

 We need to remember that Superman is a fictional character.  He never lived and is not real. He is never going to save you from evil and will never be there when you need him.

You can depend on Jesus.  He is real, the living God.  He is there to comfort, heal, and save you for eternity. Which Superman do you want?

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