This Is The Way
The Mandalorian continues to be a hugely successful streaming show for Disney+. It is the most watched show on the platform and its impact has reached all facets of pop culture. “Baby Yoda” captured the hearts of the public, but everyone stayed around for the story, following a dedicated man in armor on his varying quests across the galaxy. In the latest season of the show, the Mandalorian must be baptized in the Living Waters in order to be redeemed. There really isn’t a comparison to even be explained—the show is drawing a great deal from our Christian faith. The Mandalorian has a saying that he lives by, a saying that references his creed: “This is the way.” This is yet another aspect of the show that is influenced by our Christian faith.
“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:6)
The Way references Jesus Himself, as He stated that He is the only way to God. First century Christians were called followers of the Way. This meant they were following the teachings of Jesus, the ways He instructed to live and to love.
“Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.” (Acts 9:1-2)
Saul was persecuting and arresting followers of the Way, but he soon began to preach the Way and openly admitted to following the Way.
“Then Paul went to the synagogue and preached boldly for the next three months, arguing persuasively about the Kingdom of God. But some became stubborn, rejecting his message and publicly speaking against the Way.” (Acts 19:8-9)
“But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors, and I firmly believe the Jewish law and everything written in the prophets.” (Acts 24:14)
It’s always fun to see popular media point to Christianity. I don’t know whether this is done on purpose or not and I am not trying to make more of this ultimately meaningless show than needs to be. But there is a great appeal to a man who is singularly focused on a mission, one who is clad in armor, and dedicated to following the way. This hugely popular show can open the doors for us to start conversations with those who don’t know the true Way and we can use the popularity of the show as a means to point others to Christ. This is the Way.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
