Difference between revisions of "Sermon for January 5th, 2025"

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Philippians 2:5-11 (NT p. 197)

5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, 6who, though he existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, 7but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, assuming human likeness. And being found in appearance as a human, 8he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross.

9Therefore God exalted him even more highly and gave him the name that is above every other name, 10so that at the name given to Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Faith & Film XIII: Gladiator II

The famous theologian, Karl Barth, once said that a Christian should approach the world with a Bible in one hand, and a newspaper in the other. What he was getting at was this: To reach the world, we must also understand the world, we must be able to speak in its language. In Karl Barth's era, the newspaper was the best tool for accomplishing that. Today, I think it's the films, the movies, the blockbusters that we flock to see in the millions. Films are the great literature and storytelling vehicles of our era. Sometimes those films are good; sometimes they are bad, but always they reflect (and sometimes shape) our culture. Films are mirrors and magnifying glasses to who we are and what we aspire to be.

As Christians, it is our job to be aware of the places where our faith converges with the themes and stories our culture tells, and where we part company, too. It's my hope that in doing this series on faith and film, we can all learn to see the world through the lens of our faith wherever we go, to be amateur theologians, armchair theologians, connectors and interpreters of the scriptures we hold dear, and the world we live in.

With that, let's take a look at our first film this season, Gladiator II.

• Film Clip #1: Trailer

Three-Minute Film Summary

I like to begin each film with a brief summary, without giving away too may spoilers. This film in particular has a lot of complex character arcs, but if you get lost, don't worry too much--it will come together in time.

Sixteen years after the death of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, corrupt twin emperors Geta and Caracalla rule in Rome. Meanwhile, far away in the Kingdom of Numidia, a hidden heir to the Roman throne lives--Lucius Verus Aurelius, the grandson of Marcus Aurelius, and the son of the the famous gladiator Maximius. Lucius lives a peaceful life with his wife, until one day Numidia is invaded by Roman General Acacius. Lucius is enslaved, and his wife is killed. He is taken to Rome and forced to fight in the Gladiator's arena. His owner--the stable master Macrinus, is impressed with his skills, and promises him vengeance against General Acacius.

Meanwhile, General Acacius is hailed as a hero but secretly conspires with his wife Lucilla, to overthrow the twin Emperors. Lucius, unaware that Lucilla’s is in actuality his mother, channels the spirit of the legendary Maximus—his father—to win repeatedly in the arena. When Lucilla recognizes him and tries to reconcile, he bitterly rejects her, blaming her for his exile and the death of his wife.

Factions clash in Rome. Several Senators join the conspiracy, but Macrinus, seething with resentment toward Rome, betrays them to curry favor with the emperors. Lucilla and Acacius are arrested. In a public showdown, Lucius refuses to kill Acacius, but guards execute him anyway, sparking riots across the city. Macrinus manipulates Caracalla into turning on Geta and gains power over the Praetorian guard, pushing Rome toward chaos.

As Caracalla’s behavior grows more erratic, Lucius unites with his mother at last, taking up the sword and armor of his father to inspire the other gladiators. Macrinus orchestrates a final, bloody spectacle in the Colosseum to kill Lucius and Lucilla, hoping to seize control. Meanwhile, Acacius’s army approaches the city, setting the stage for a climactic confrontation. The outcome will determine whether Rome collapses into tyranny or rises under the virtuous leadership of Lucius.

Thinking About Rome

Early last year, there was a viral tik tok challenge that had women ask their husbands or boyfriends how many times a day they think about the Roman Empire--and then record the answer. What made it funny was how surprised the women were when their husbands generally said they thought about Rome at least three or four times a day.

• Rome tik tok challenge
• power
• servant leadership
• transformation/conversion
• Christianity (Ravi)