When Jesus becomes just another hero, do we lose the Gospel? Find out as Tim and Eve are joined by a special guest to discuss The King of Kings by Angel Studios.

Are You Just Watching? Episode 160: The King of Kings

Music by Taeseong Kim.

For the full show notes please visit areyoujustwatching.com/160

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The discussion in this episode centers around the movie The King of Kings produced by Angel Studios, which aims to convey the story of Jesus to a younger audience. We explore the notion that when Jesus is portrayed merely as another hero, the essence of the Gospel may be diluted. Our conversation unfolds through various themes, including the implications of the Second Commandment regarding visual representations of Christ, the significance of storytelling and imagination in understanding faith, the archetype of Messianic heroes, and the moral that behavior has consequences. Each speaker offers their unique perspectives, reflecting on the film's artistic choices and theological undercurrents, ultimately emphasizing the need for a deeper engagement with the core message of Jesus's sacrifice and its implications for individual behavior.

Takeaways:

• The movie The King of Kings presents Jesus not merely as a hero, but as the central figure of the gospel, emphasizing the importance of recognizing his divine nature in storytelling.
• A significant theme discussed is the representation of Christ, raising questions about the implications of visual depictions in media and their potential to mislead viewers about his true character.
• The narrative explores the consequences of behavior, illustrating how actions impact relationships and the importance of teaching children about accountability through the lens of Christian faith.
• Substitutionary atonement is poignantly visualized in a pivotal scene where Jesus rescues Walter, highlighting the depth of Christ's sacrifice and the personal connection it fosters with the audience.
• The podcast emphasizes the critical need for parents to engage children in discussions about the film's themes, particularly regarding sin and redemption, to ensure a proper understanding of the gospel message.
• Overall, the episode calls for a careful examination of how stories are told in faith-based media, stressing that while imagination is valuable, it must not detract from the historical truth of Jesus Christ.