Why Jesus Would Have Used Movies in 2022
Movies are stories that teach us, correct us, and inspire us.
By Philip K. Hardin, M.A., M.Div.
Jesus was the master storyteller. He’d say, “Hey, did you hear the one about…” and then tell a parable to teach a truth.
In fact, the Bible shows that storytelling was Jesus’ favorite technique when speaking to the crowd (Matthew 13:34, 35 – The Message):
All Jesus did that day was tell stories
—a long storytelling afternoon.
His storytelling fulfilled the prophecy:
I will open my mouth and tell stories;
I will bring out into the open
things hidden since the world’s first day.
Somehow, we forget that the Bible is essentially a book of God-inspired stories! That’s how God has chosen to communicate his Word to human beings.
I believe that if Jesus arrived today, he would show movie clips to communicate his redemptive message to us.
Movies tell the stories that Jesus often communicated through his parables.
There are many benefits to using stories to communicate spiritual truth:
Stories hold our attention.
The reason movies are so popular is because it’s essentially a story-telling device, whether you’re watching comedy, drama, or a chick flick (Yes—even as a man, I believe Hallmark Movies can be redemptive).
Stories stir our emotions.
They impact us in ways that precepts and propositions never do. If you want to change lives, you must craft the message for impact, not for information. The healing is in the feeling!
Stories help us remember.
Long after the outline is forgotten, people will remember the stories of the sermon.
It’s fascinating to watch how quickly a crowd tunes in whenever a speaker begins telling a story and how quickly that attention vanishes as soon as the story is finished!
Jesus also spoke in simple terms that normal people could understand. He didn’t use theological jargon. It’s easy to complicate the Gospel, and of course, Satan would love for us to do just that. The apostle Paul worried that “And now I’m afraid that exactly as the Snake seduced Eve with his smooth tongue, you are being lured away from the simple purity of your love for Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3 –The Message).
We need to remember that Jesus did not use the classical Greek language of the scholar. He spoke in Aramaic. He told stories using the street language of that day and talked of birds, flowers, lost coins, and other everyday objects that anyone could relate to.
I enjoy using movies as interventions in my counseling practice, the coaching weekends, and any teaching presentation. A good movie will help you to hear your own story. I want to offer a list of 10 movies for you to consider that will help you in your personal growth.
10 Movies to Change Your Life
1. My Life = The Story of Bobby Jones learning how his story is one of running away from his past and being caught in anger. He must face his past and learn to be present for his wife and himself.
2. Life is a House = The Story of George rebuilding his life after avoiding and retreating the broken relationships he has neglected. He finds healing and redemption has he faces himself and those he loves.
3. Antwone Fisher = Based on a true story, Antwone must face his anger to find his life. This movie answers 2 questions: 1) Does your past impact your present? 2) If my past does impact my present, what do I do about it? The movie is a journey of healing. Be sure to buy the DVD and watch the Special Feature of the interview with the real Antwone Fisher.
4. I Can Only Imagine = The inspiring true story of Bart Millard and the beloved, chart-topping song by MercyMe that brings ultimate hope to so many. A powerful reminder of the healing that comes from true forgiveness.
5. Shawshank Redemption = Powerful story of a man imprisoned unfairly and how he fights for freedom and healing. A redemptive story of how to break free of whatever bondage holds you imprisoned.
6. Reign Over Me = Best movie for facing and healing trauma. The story of a man who lost his family in the September 11 attack on New York City. He runs into his old college roommate and rekindling the friendship that leads to his healing and overcoming his grief.
7. Good Will Hunting = Great story of healing from past hurt. Will Hunting learns to trust and love by moving away from fear and self-protection.
8. The Kid = An unhappy and disliked image consultant gets a second shot at life when he is mysteriously confronted by an 8-year-old version of himself. This story is the journey of understanding how the past shapes our lives.
9. Cinderella Man = The story of one man’s extraordinary fight to save the family he loved. A wash-up boxer comes back to challenge for the heavyweight championship of the world.
10. The Shack = This is an imaginative and creative story of how God shows up in the pain. Tragedy strikes a man and his family. The story is about how God meets a grieving man in a personal, healing way.
Jesus told stories to help us connect to our hearts. Go watch a movie and listen for God to speak to you. May you hear the voice of God.
Phil Hardin works as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with Hardin Life Resources practicing in both Jackson, MS and Fairhope, AL.
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