Sermon for January 5th, 2025

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

• Film Clip #1: Trailer

Three-Minute Film Summary

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.

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