If you could claim one “superhero power,” like becoming invisible, reading minds, superhuman strength, or X-ray vision, what would you choose? And what would you do with it?
A quick scan of upcoming movies reveals a few predictable  summer superheros: Iron Man 3, Man of Steel, and The Wolverine.
Maybe superhero stories are satisfying because we realize that the world desperately needs saving, and we rather powerless mortals wish we had the power to do it.Â
The most dramatic superhero story in history took place about two-thousand years ago. It is a story of heroes, villains, and hero-wannabes; suspense, character development and plot-twists that make our heads spin.Â
It is the story of how Jesus saved the world.
Jesus, God incarnate, had access to superhero powers that we can’t begin to imagine. God is ever-present, all-knowing, and all powerful.  Jesus commanded nature, legions of angels, and has authority over demons.  He healed people with a touch, raised the dead, changed water into wine, multiplied bread and walked through walls.
Jesus possessed superhero powers back in the first century that are awesome even by twenty-first century standards.
What would he do with them?
Would he command angels to conquer Rome? That’s what his contemporaries expected of the Messiah. He could see beyond outward appearances to the motives of the heart, so 
perhaps he would expose all evil, lock up demons, throw out corrupt politicians, reverse bad laws, fix systemic injustice and protect all the good people.  That would do it, right?
Except there aren’t any good people. We are all tainted by evil.
To destroy all evil Jesus would have had to wipe out humanity. He had the power to do it, but he loved the world and everyone in it in spite of humanity’s flawed condition.
How does a superhero purify human hearts?
Jesus did it in the power of the cross.
Jesus’ death on the cross graphically revealed the depravity, injustice, and unspeakable violence of the world.  Just as vividly, his sacrifice demonstrated the magnificent love of God.  In the powerful cosmic transaction that took place at the cross Jesus died under the weight of our sins and offered us eternal life and freedom from sin in return.
Our hearts can be pure by faith in Christ through the power of the cross.
Celluloid superheroes save the world from dastardly villains, but the real Jesus saved us from our own sinful hearts. Â
“…God made you alive with Christ…And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Colossians 2:13, 15
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Cor. 1:18
Connecting Dots...to God 
What a tour de force, Judy! Jesus’ powers are not only unimaginably more than we can comprehend even by today’s super-duper standards, his power is also exactly suited to saving all of creation. That makes sense, since everything was created by his power in the first place!
Another winning post, Judy! You know, I realized that Jesus’ death was a violent agonizing one–but this is the first time I made the symbolic connection: the depravity, injustice and unspeakable violence of man’s heart couldn’t possibly be redeemed by a quiet, painless, easy death, could it? Thank you for the new revelation–God bless you. Much love, sis Caddo
Loved this post Judy! And your Grandson is darling!! All the best to you!
This is a great post, love the narrative and the illustrations. I often ponder the power we have available to us through Him–if only everyone knew!
While at college, a friend and I always kept up with Superman via comic books. We knew all kinds of trivia about the man of steel and enjoyed talking about him. Yet, I agree with you, there is nothing to compare with Jesus, our thoughts and imaginations could never surpass what He is able to do in a blink of an eye. Jesus is more!
I just loved the lecture and this whole power Hero theme! Great job of relating how powerful the cross really is! I am always praying for you and Dan. How is the job search? Tomorrow Bart and I meet with both lawyers at 10AM and we will see what happens. Please keep me in your prayers!! I know God has a great plan with his super powers on my side!! What a fun thought!
________________________________
And I’m praying for you too, Helen! God is working in both of our lives, of that I am sure. I watch with interest as his plans unfold! So today, I pray that your meeting is fruitful, that you would keep in step with the Spirit, and that your next steps become clear. (Maybe those last two are redundant:). Standing with you in prayer, faith, hope and love!
Amen to the Greatest Superhero! Good post.