A recent issue of Time Magazine contains an interview with Clint Eastwood discussing WWII heroes in his latest movie, “Flags of Our Fathers.” In the interview, Eastwood admitted most of the characters he played in older movies were flawed individuals who seized the opportunity to be a hero. He gave an interesting answer to the last question of the article. “Interviewer: ‘Is there hunger among Americans for heroic behavior?’ Eastwood: ‘I think there is a hunger. I think that most people would love to see a heroic figure step forward. I can almost sound like one of those Christian-right guys: Where is the Messiah?’”
Most followers of Jesus probably don’t want to be called “Christian-right guys”, but believers know the Messiah has come. For generations Jews sang, “My Deliverer is coming…”, but only a few recognized him when he came. Bono still sings, “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for…”, but Jesus says, “Come to me; find out who I am.” Those who know Him have found what they are looking for.
Perhaps it is the “giving up of self” that makes a hero. When you examine the life of Jesus you see power and strength, but you also see meekness and humility. Some might even call Jesus “weak”, but the Son of God knew his Father’s power is made perfect in weakness. Without his willingness to give up self, Jesus could not have been our Hero. Of course we see ultimate selflessness at Calvary, but before this final sacrifice, Jesus lived a surrendered life. Don’t miss the heroism of the journey.
He lived a simple life in the home of a carpenter. He obeyed his parents. He grew in wisdom and stature. He grew in favor with God and man. Few recognized a Hero was being formed. Jesus seemed content to live in obscurity. When John called him the “Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world,” some noticed, but most probably scoffed. To have people not believe who you really are is troubling, but Jesus was not after personal glory. Some wanted to make him king after his miracles, but Jesus rejected the world, gave up self, and kept his eyes on his Father. God chose unlikely men to be his disciples, but Jesus trusted his Father completely. He patiently taught the twelve and loved them despite their ignorance and faithlessness. All the trials Jesus endured were part of the plan of the One who knows what makes a hero. Jesus ran the race set before him with patient endurance then fulfilled His purpose for coming. He was despised and rejected by men. He was mocked and spit upon. He was beaten and cursed. He carried the Cross, took the sins of the world on Himself and died. I wish I could fully grasp this description of the Messiah’s life: “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him…” (Hebrews 5:7-9)
What would we do without this unflawed Hero who invites us to walk in his steps and who is not ashamed to call us brothers?
“In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.” Hebrews 2:10-11