Please note, the Star Wars movies discussed here are rated PG and PG-13. As we prepare in this time of year to celebrate Christmas, the birth of Christ Jesus into this world, I thought it would be appropriate to talk about the story of Anakin Skywalker from the Star Wars universe. When we first (canonically) meet Anakin, Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn finds him on a backwater planet, Tatooine, and realizes he is strong in the Force. When he asks Anakin's mother, Shmi, who Anakin's father is, she says, "There was no father. I can't explain it." Jesus, of course, was born to a virgin in Israel, which would have been considered a backwater nation of the Roman Empire. Jesus also had strange occurrences surrounding his growing up, such as visits by random shepherds with tidings from an angel, a visit from Wise Men, astronomers and kings of far away lands, and the wisdom to respond to the teachers in the Temple at a young age, among other events. Anakin is believed by Qui-Gon to be the Chosen One, the one prophesied to bring balance to the Force. Jesus is the Messiah, the one prophesied to save us from our sins. Anakin's story, however, takes a dark turn from Jesus', literally, Instead of continuing to fight for the Light Side of the Force, Anakin turns to the Dark Side, becoming Darth Vader, an evil lord of the Sith. Yet somehow, Anakin still remains the Chosen One during this time. When he sees his master trying to kill his son, he takes action and sacrifices his own life to throw the Emperor down a shaft in the Death Star to his doom. While Jesus, of course, never turns dark side (quite the opposite, actually, as we see in His temptation by the devil, told in detail in Matthew and Luke), His love for us lead Him to sacrifice Himself for us on the Cross. His victory was over the forces of evil in the world. It is not at all a perfect parallel, but we can see some similarities between Anakin and Jesus. Both are leaders foretold to be strong in power who will help balance the scales of justice in the world, and both are born without the involvement of a human father. Both sacrifice their lives to destroy evil and protect those they love. For Jesus, that love is thankfully not limited to some, but is given for the whole world.
As we prepare for the celebration of Jesus' incarnation into this world, it is important to remember that the birth alone is not important, but it is vital because of where it leads for us and the world. Both Anakin and Jesus changed the world through their deaths by giving hope of good things to come. Disclaimer: unless otherwise stated, the majority of images produced here are not owned or created by me. Commenting is encouraged. Please use discretion leaving comments below, letting the love of God guide you.
3 Comments
Benjamin
11/16/2023 05:21:26 pm
For me, Anakin is more like Samson, not like Jesus
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Peter
11/20/2023 05:26:42 am
FunFact: A couple of months after the release of "The Phantom Menace" Pernilla August (The one who player Anakin's mother) played Mary in Mary, mother of Jesus.
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Peter
11/20/2023 05:30:15 am
And by "partially" I mean he didn't track Anakin's relationship with the Chancellor who was manipulating him, which was one of Obi-wan's several mistakes.
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The Rev. Trey KennedyHere is my take on how Superheroes and other characters can help us know God better. Categories
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