hero's disciple part 5:: batman 2.0

BATMAN 2.0’S STORY:

I did not know about this part of the story until I started researching for these blogs-

at some point after Dick Grayson became Nightwing, Batman became seriously injured and unable to continue in his role as Gotham’s Knight. and after much consideration, Dick Grayson hung up his Nightwing costume and returned to Gotham in the costume and the role of Batman. He temporarily stood in the shoes of his mentor- coming full circle from orphaned ward to the hero himself. Later in the story, Batman apparently died and Dick Grayson again took the form of Batman more permanently. He became a new Batman. He became his teacher’s successor. Even though he was Dick Grayson, he carried on the work of Batman after Batman was gone; in the spirit of the original hero. 

the little boy who lost his parents in a circus accident finally became just like the teacher that he idolized so much. There was no one better to fill batman’s boots than his closest disciple.

PETER’S STORY:

After Jesus ascended into heaven, the Bible tells us that on the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came and filled the disciples and Peter himself stood in front of a crowd of thousands and began to preach- and thousands put their faith in Jesus and were baptized on that day. The Spirit of God entered into Peter and did His work through him.

Peter came full circle too- he went from a fisherman who wanted nothing more to following a rabbi- to standing in His rabbi’s shoes and doing the very things that He would have done: leading the church, preaching to thousands, and telling everyone about the good news of Jesus.

Peter imitated Jesus in other ways too. The church tradition tells us that he took on his own disciple, John Mark, and it was Peter’s stories to John Mark that make up the Gospel according to Mark. Our church tradition also tells us that Peter followed Jesus all the way to his death- being martyred for his faith on a cross. The church historian tells us that Peter decided that he was unfit to die like his Master should die, and asked that his cross be placed upside down- and the Roman centurions honored his request.

OUR STORY:

Dick Grayson succeeded Batman and stepped into his shoes. Peter followed in Jesus’ footsteps and carried on His work after his Master had ascended into heaven. and Jesus tells us that we will continue to do the work that He began through the power of His Spirit. in Acts 1:8 Jesus tells us, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Jesus tells us that we will be His ambassadors- we will work for Him. We will be His witness in our own neighborhood- and in the areas beyond that, and all over the world. Jesus told us before He ascended in John 14:12, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”

Jesus tells us that we will carry on His work: through faith, and through the power of the spirit.

Just like Dick Grayson took on the role of Batman- we, the church, are the hands and feet of Jesus. We are His Body. He does His work through us.

So wherever you go this week, be the hands and feet of Jesus. Let Him work through you. Let Him use your words and your hands and your arms.

When you think about it, Dick Grayson’s life was completely changed by Batman’s. Bruce Wayne provided for him, rescued him, trained him and gave him a whole new purpose in life.

The same could be said for Peter- if it wasn’t for Jesus, no one would even know about Peter. But because he followed his Master, his life was completely changed. Jesus gave him a new name and a new purpose in life.

and the same can be said for us too. we’re nothing without Jesus. He rescued us, adopted us, loved us and gave all of us a new purpose and role in life. We owe Him everything. and it all begins with two words: follow me.

so we come full circle too- once disciples, now released to do the work of our Master.

The Master extends His hand and invites you and me: “carry on my work- be my representative and ambassador wherever you are and wherever you go.”
Jesus invites you and me: will you respond to His invitation?

God is love.
rev-rob