(Photo by Selma Komisky)

Marked Ministry Online Magazine is not sponsored or endorsed by Disney or Marvel Studios. Views and opinions expressed here are made independently from Disney, Marvel Studios, and its affiliates. Disney and Marvel Studios hold all rights for all films, stories, and artwork.

Editor’s Note: May, 2021

By Sarah Komisky

“for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

-Luke 2:11 

Superheros often encompass a few unique characteristics. One being their special giftings and abilities. Second, their incredible strength. Third, their morality. Fourth, their purpose in bringing justice to all.

Quite often we relegate superheroes to the screen or comics. However, we dismiss the truth that those that call ourselves Christians embrace as reality, there was One who walked this earth fully God, and fully man. His name was Jesus.

Long ago, Israel waited holding onto the promise of a Messiah being born in Bethlehem that would save their people. However, He would not save the way they expected. He exceeded that expectation.

“…and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

– Matthew 1:21 (NKJV)

While Jesus was invested in the needs of others during His time on earth, He came for the greatest need we had – our  need to be rescued from the bondage of sin and victory over the curse of death. The context in all of it was love. That God so loved humanity, that he gave for it and more personally, for individuals. The ultimate goal was a complete removal of the severed ties that sin created and marred our relationship to completely holy and pure God. A God who defeated death, rose from the grave, and lives to continue to offer relationship and complete forgiveness, acceptance, hope and love for all who believe and receive Him unto themselves. 

Furthermore, In the Bible, Jesus (God incarnate) walked with people and used his complete authority for the good of humanity. 

Isaiah 61:1 in the English Standard Version specifically lists Jesus’ mission on earth saying, “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.” And Matthew 28:18 in the New Living Translation notes Jesus specifically saying, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.” The power of God that was given to Him by His Father was used purposely. 

In fact, when you see Jesus’ interactions with people you see compassion, mercy, justice for the unjust as well as kindness in his miracles, healings, conversations, and actions. 

But who was this man named Jesus? A prophet? A teacher? A really nice person? The question is personal.

Jesus Himself asked His friends. In Matthew chapter 16, these guys noted how some were saying he was John the Baptist, Elijah, or Jeremiah. But Jesus interjected by asking them who they thought He was. Peter spoke up, “You are the Messiah, the son of the Living God,” (Matthew 16:16, NIV).

We at Marked Ministry want to propose the same question to you that we believe God is still asking. Who do you say Jesus is?

Using Marvel as our inspiration, we are going to look at movies and these superheroes we know and love through the lens of faith. Specifically, what it means to be “empowered” spiritually with our new issue theme for the month of May.

As always, we will invite some friends and new teammates along the way to share their insights and Marvel-inspired articles and photos with you. And, we promise to have a lot of fun along the way! Our ultimate vision is to invite you to formulate your own thoughts. Who is Jesus to you and what does it mean to be empowered by Him? 

All of us long to be rescued. To be in awe of a power bigger than our own. To know that good could triumph over evil and that someone could be there to save the day. But we also need to acknowledge our need for a Savior. Spiritual empowerment is two-fold. So, let’s dive in our Part 1 of our “Empowered” issue as we recognize our need for empowerment as we discover Jesus, our true superhero.

Sarah