4 Faith Takeaways from Netflix’s The Messiah-
What it can teach us. (Is The Messiah Christian?)
Written by the Ent and the Elf 2/16/2020
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Know Before You Watch:
Show Name: Netflix’s The Messiah (Trailer)
Rating: TV-MA
Age Suggestion: 15+ (IF WATCHING WITH PARENT)
Episode Length: 10 45 Minute Episodes
Genre: Political Thriller
Where to Watch: Netflix
Warnings (Is The Messiah Christian?): Although it has the veil of a Christian show, please be aware that it’s content does not reflect that. There is cussing, drinking, violence, and nudity/sex scenes. This can be walked through with older teens, but should not be viewed by a younger audience and we wouldn’t suggest it for anyone under 18.
Quick Summary:
Is he here to convict or to con? A man has appeared in the world who is showing signs similar to that of Jesus Christ. A following begins to gather behind him. But through his highs and lows, it becomes exceedingly more difficult to tell what the motives are of Al-Massih. Is he a savior, or a terrorist?
Lessons to take away from Netflix’s The Messiah
1) It would have been more difficult to follow Jesus during His time than we may believe.
It is easy to think in this day and age that anyone who met Jesus during His time on earth would have no choice but to believe in Him. There were miracles performed by others, and frauds claiming to offer salvation- just like there are today. It would not have been easy to leave everything you think you know and believe Jesus’ claims. This illustrates the even greater faith of the apostles and others who decided to follow Jesus.
2) The world needs a savior
There were so many examples in this show of people who were desperately looking for someone to guide them. Even though there were consistently doubters, even those characters are drawn to the idea of a Messiah who deeply knows them. In terms of our own world, many people are in need of Jesus, not just to focus their life but to know His deep love.
3) Our faith shouldn’t be easily swayed
This is the big question this show leaves you with: Would you believe in Al-Massih? The word “Anti-Christ” is thrown around a lot in today’s culture, but the question remains, would we actually recognize a deceiver in a Christian veil. Our faith must be strong enough to grow and learn- but also not to be swayed by heresy.
4) People will use what they hear to justify what they want
Even as Al-Massih calls for peace, many people hear that as a call for war. No matter how clear the speaker, the hearer will process it through their own lens. Though this can sometimes have positive effects, it can also have several detrimental effects. It is important to examine one’s own heart to make sure you aren’t putting thoughts and beliefs into other people’s mouths. Or that you aren’t taking Scripture out of context.
The Messiah Review
Characters & Acting:
The characters of this show completely carry this show. Everyone plays there role in interesting and relatable ways. Michelle Monaghan especially shines in this show, but the aura that Mehdi Dehbi is able to encapsulate with his character in is astonishing. This gives the show a very realistic feel that draws the viewer into the story. Also, the diversity within this show was a breath of fresh air.
Script & Story:
Just the premise of this show intrigues people. So many questions come out when Al-Massih appears. Is the Messiah Christian? Is he Muslim? Or does he have darker intents, like starting wars? The pacing of this show continuously leaves you wanting to watch the next episode and constantly double guessing your own thoughts.
Besides Al-Massih, the other characters in the story also show the highs and lows of humanity. It is especially good at reinforcing the idea that everyone’s story contextualizes their life. Everyone has a different perspective and has lived their own story.
Film Quality:
As we have come to expect with Netflix shows, the production on this show is very well done. From the multitude of scenery to the required CGI and camera trickery, everything is done exceptionally well to allow the story of The Messiah to shine.
Discussion Questions
- Do you think Payam is the Messiah? What leads you to this belief? What has challenged your current view during this season? (Encourage looking into the gospels for comparisons)
- Do you have any friends who are non-believers who watch this show? Have you discussed this show with them?
- Their is a reference to “Stranger in a Strange Land” by Robert Heinlein which is about an alien from Mars coming down and influencing the culture into creating a new religion. Were there any other pop culture or religious references that you found interesting in the show?
- What do you think it would take in order for one person to unite the beliefs of people with different religions (i.e. Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, etc). What kind of characteristics would that person have?
Final Thoughts
Netflix’s The Messiah leaves the viewer with many questions that they must wrestle with. It questions faith for Christians, Muslims, atheists, and everything in between. To reiterate one last time, The Messiah will not be for everyone. There is quite a bit of inappropriate content (See warnings above) that may not be suitable for all viewers, especially if watching with you children. But it did make us think about and appreciate our faith.
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