I thought it would be a bit fun to compare and contrast the obvious similarities between the Star Wars universe and Christianity. In this post, I will be looking at the origins of The Chosen One.

Prophecy of The Chosen One

Qui-Gon Jinn saw something special about the young boy, Anakin Skywalker, that others did not recognize right away. He knew the boy was unique and could sense the force within him. Qui-Gon was well aware of the lore of his order, specifically, the prophecy of “the chosen one.” His suspicion that the boy he encountered, was indeed “the chosen one,” was confirmed when he learned that the boy was conceived through the force.

“A Chosen One shall come, born of no father, and through him will ultimate balance in the Force be restored.” – Jedi Prophecy

“There was no father. I carried him, I gave birth, I raised him. I can’t explain what happened.” – Shmi Skywalker

I’m under the impression that George Lucas, when he wrote Star Wars, was influenced by many facts found in the Bible. Qui-Gon Jinn reminds me of John the Baptizer. While others were waiting for a Messiah/Chosen One, John was there to prepare the way for Him.

“6 There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the Light, but [he came] to testify about the Light. 9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.”  – John 1:6-9 

While preparing the world for the Messiah, John’s messages grabbed the attention of religious leaders. They came to him with questions, specifically asking who he was.

“19 This is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent to him priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 And he confessed and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21 They asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” 22 Then they said to him, “Who are you, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said, “I am A VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, ‘MAKE STRAIGHT THE WAY OF THE LORD,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.” 24 Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. 25 They asked him, and said to him, “Why then are you baptizing, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 John answered them saying, “I baptize in water, [but] among you stands One whom you do not know. 27 “[It is] He who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” – John 1:19-27

 

Qui-Gon Jinn went before his masters, explaining to them that he had encountered a vergence in the force, that the prophecy regarding the birth of “the chosen one,” the one to bring balance to the Force, has come to pass. The Jedi Council had to ponder on this news. The Jedi, much like the priests and Levites, were too steeped in their traditions, and did not want to face the reality that prophecy was fulfilled in their time. The Jedi did not want to train Anakin, saying he was too old to be trained and his attachment to his mother would hinder his abilities. 

For a little more on that question by the religious leaders “Are you Elijah?” (John 1:21) They asked this because of a prophecy. It was said that Elijah the prophet, was to return before the Messiah.

“Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the LORD.” – Malachi 4:5

The fulfillment of this prophecy DID come to pass. 

“11 “Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen [anyone] greater than John the Baptist! Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force. 13 “For all the prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 “And if you are willing to accept [it,] John himself is Elijah who was to come.” – Matthew 11:11-15

Going back to the birth of Anakin, being fatherless and conceived by the force itself. In our world, the Messiah was born in a similar fashion. A young woman, named Mary, was selected by God, to give birth to the savior of mankind. Again, prophesy of this is found in the Old Testament before its fulfillment.

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14

At God’s chosen time, when the world was ready for the Messiah, God sent an angel before Mary.

“30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. 31 “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32 “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.” – Luke 1:30-35

Something I found a bit humorous when looking at the origins of Jesus and Anakin, is that they both came from cruddy places. Tatooine and Nazareth were both known to be a bit… ghetto. Anakin Skywalker of Tatooine, was born to bring balance to the force. Jesus of Nazareth, was born to bring salvation to the ENTIRE WORLD,  not only to the Jewish people,, but to the Gentiles as well. The balance Anakin would bring does not eliminate the darkness. The force has two sides, light and dark. For one to bring to balance the force, the light and dark would have to be equal to each other. Jesus came to our world and defeated evil; to deliver us from sin and its consequences, to renew our relationship with our creator, who loves each of us and desires our love in return. 

Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon have an exchange that reminded me of the ministry of Jesus and those that opposed Him. Kenobi says, “Do not defy the council, master, not again.” and Qui-Gon’s response, “I shall do what I must, Obi-Wan.” Jesus did not fear the religious leaders. He had a mission, to spread the good news that sins are forgiven for those that truly accept Him as the Messiah, for those that will love God with all their heart, mind, and soul. We have to acknowledge that we are sinners and that His actions have unbound the chains that hold us down. 

When Anakin met Qui-Gon Jinn, Padme, and Jar Jar Binks, he was willing to do whatever needed to be done to help them. When his mother tried to object, he told her:

 “Mom, you said that the biggest problem in the universe is that no one helps each other.” – Anakin

This kindness in Anakin reflects what Jesus had said about helping others. Not only does it serve our fellow man, but serves all of God’s creation.

34 “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 ‘For I was hungry, and you gave Me [something] to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me [something] to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; 36 naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ … 40 “The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, [even] the least [of them,] you did it to Me.'” – Matthew 25:34-36, 40

Star Wars can be fun – sometimes, and brings many people happiness, but only Jesus can give you real joy. Only Christ can give you freedom by delivering you from the darkness in this world. Jesus didn’t bring balance, He CONQUERED death and brought the Kingdom of Heaven. Put your trust in Him, for He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I encourage all of you to pick up a Bible, and read it. You won’t regret it. It was fun doing this little comparison and sharing some scripture with you all. I’m no preacher, but I am going to be a voice crying out  in the wilderness. I hope you join me. Don’t hesitate to comment with questions or prayer requests.