If you have watched enough of the original Star Wars movies and current, you will be familiar of the Jedi prophecy that foretold of a chosen one who would come, born of no father that will bring balance and restoration to the Force. This individual was followed throughout multiple trilogies and epochs that tracked the lineage of the Skywalker lineage and other fringe characters that may or may not have been the One.
Currently, The Mandalorian has graced the screen and is its second season. This story takes place a few years after the movie Return of the Jedi and depicts these iconic characters as younger versions of themselves. Like the narrative of Jesus’ birth, the Mandalorian reveals “The Child” (aka: Baby Yoda or Grogu) and his protector, “The Mandalorian.” You can tell that this concept of the “Chosen One” continues to be developed, expanding the universe, filling the gaps, but never quite resolving the conflict.
However, this idea is not new. The “Chosen One” or Messiah comes from the Hebrew word mashiach. The Greek word is christos or Christ. Jesus is original Messiah. There is no made up, fabricated space epics to draw you into an expansive imaginative mythical lore with lasers and force powers. Actually, the narrative of Jesus the Messiah is rather bland. Isaiah once prophesied of Jesus saying, “For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of parched ground; He has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon Him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him.” (Is. 53:2) He was nothing to look at, nor was He attractive. The narrative from Isaiah’s prophecy drags through years of post-captivity for Israel and tragedy. Why is this important?
The Messiah was to be born in a humble state and estate.
First, the Messiah was to be born in a humble state and estate. The Lukan account stated that Jesus was born, placed in a trough that cattle ate out of, and a place not of His own or parents. There were no rooms available to them at that time. (Lk. 2:1-7) However, a proclamation was made as an angel and confirmed by a chorus of angels declared, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Lk. 2:11) This confirmed the prophecy of Isaiah mentioned earlier.
The Messiah was to live a life worthy of His calling.
Second, the Messiah was to live a life worthy of His calling. In the Matthean account, Jesus was confronted by religious leaders questioning the validity of his Lordship. And at this juncture of his ministry, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” (Matt. 16:13) Some people replied he was John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the prophets. (v.14) And Jesus followed up with a direct question, “But what about you? Who do you say I am?” (v.15) Peter replied, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” (v.16) Those who believe, recognize His calling.
The Messiah was to die and rise again to give purpose to the Gospel.
Lastly, the Messiah was to die and rise again to give purpose to the Gospel. Detailing his defense against King Agrippa, Paul the apostle spoke of the reason why the Gospel must go to the Gentiles. Paul speaks of the necessity to preach the Gospel and tell others to repent and turn to God. (Acts 26:20) And before the king he says:
“But God has helped me to this very day; so, I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen—that the Messiah would suffer first and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to His own people and to the Gentiles.” (Acts 26:22-23)
There is nothing flash about suffering and humility. The birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus the Messiah is a reminder of the reality of sin. Without the Messiah, there is no redemption. The Messiah came not to redeem the Empire, unified fractured tribes, or destroy the rebel alliance. The bigger picture is that the Messiah came, went, and will return again for a much greater purpose—He will rescue all from the fate of sin, death.
As believers, like the apostle Paul, is to carry the hope of the Messiah within us so that the Gospel is shared and seen. There is no flashy sign, no sleight-of-hand levitation trick, or weapon of choice. Like the Mandalorian you are called to go, share, and make believers of many nations. Jesus is the only Messiah and hope for mankind. This is the way.