If Jesus met Jaws...no boat needed

 

"Jesus now called the Twelve and gave them authority and power to deal with all the demons and cure diseases. He commissioned them to preach the news of God’s kingdom and heal the sick. He said, “Don’t load yourselves up with equipment. Keep it simple; you are the equipment.

Well played Mr. Spielberg, well played. Most of America stayed out of the water (salt and fresh) for an entire summer if not for ever. You tapped into our box of fears; of the unknown, the dark places, death, vulnerability. 

In the end the big mechanical shark is forced to choke on a dive tank after which Brody shoots while sitting in the crows nest of the sinking ship proving to us all that yes, man is greater than the boogie man. 

But if we read the texts from the Book of Acts  and Luke we get this; 

"Jesus called  Broady, and Hooper and Quint and gave then authority and power to deal with the shark...don't load yourself up with dive tanks, a boat or guns. Jump in the water and tell it to die."

Now I'm not saying that Christians are to start jumping into shark infested waters to prove their faith. I am saying that most folks who claim to trust God load themselves up with all kinds of gear. Don't we? 

God commanded his followers to jump into deeper waters and face bigger sharks. Bare-handed..but not really. 

 Don’t panic. I’m with you.
    There’s no need to fear for I’m your God.
I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you.
    I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.  Isaiah 41:10

"Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

The fact is Jesus faced a bigger threat than a Great White. He more than kill it. He brought back to life all those innocent he ate. 

He didn't rely on equipment, just His father; 

"Let no one fear death, for the Death of our Savior has set us free.
He has destroyed it by enduring it.
He destroyed Hell when He descended into it.
He put it into an uproar even as it tasted of His flesh.

Isaiah foretold this when he said,
"You, O Hell, have been troubled by encountering Him below."
Hell was in an uproar because it was done away with.
It was in an uproar because it is mocked.
It was in an uproar, for it is destroyed.
It is in an uproar, for it is annihilated.
It is in an uproar, for it is now made captive.

Hell took a body, and discovered God.
It took earth, and encountered Heaven.
It took what it saw, and was overcome by what it did not see.

O death, where is thy sting?
O Hell, where is thy victory?

Christ is Risen, and you, o death, are annihilated!
Christ is Risen, and the evil ones are cast down!
Christ is Risen, and the angels rejoice!
Christ is Risen, and life is liberated!

Christ is Risen, and the tomb is emptied of its dead;
for Christ having risen from the dead,
is become the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

To Him be Glory and Power forever and ever. Amen!"
                                                                       St. John Chrysostom Easter Homily