Seeing Christ Through Literature

This year I took an excellent course on British Literature. One of my favorite and first assignments was to read Beowulf. I then had to compare the story with the last days of Jesus. The following is what I discovered.

In this story, one can easily see how Beowulf acts as a type of Christ.
The first parallel between Jesus and Beowulf is found in the similarity of their identities.Whereas Jesus is known as the “Prince of peace” (Isaiah 9:6) and the “Prince of life” (Acts 3:15), Beowulf is “the prince of the Weder-Geats” (text, p. 46). Jesus came from heaven to save the people on earth; Beowulf came from his land of Sweden to save the people of Denmark from Grendel. Neither one was forced to do this, but gave of himself in an act of love.
In Luke 4:28-30, one reads about Jesus facing the threat of death, but escaping. “So all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way.” Similarly, Beowulf has “survived very many combats, wild attacks” (text, p. 46).

The events leading up to Beowulf’s fight with the dragon also have characteristics analogous to the proceedings in the last days of the Savior.
Like baptism, Beowulf’s fight with Grendel’s mother symbolizes Jesus’ death and resurrection (Elaine Strong Skill, Beowulf Cliff Notes, Syllabus, p. 48). The Geat contends with the she-monster while submerged in the mere. Just as Jesus died at the ninth hour of the day (Mark 15:34), when the ninth hour came, the Scyldings and Beowulf’s companions “despair of seeing their friendly lord” alive again (text, p. 29). Then, when the men do not expect it, Beowulf rises from the water victorious.
Comparable to Jesus, the eleven disciples, and Judas Iscariot, page 44 of the text speaks of thirteen men going up to the dragon’s cave. These men are “The lord of the Geats…with eleven others” and the man who had awakened the dragon’s wrath. Like Peter and the other disciples (Matthew 26:35), Beowulf’s thanes “promised [him] that [they] would requite him for the war-gear, the helms and sharp swords, if need such as this came upon him” (text, p. 48).
Before being betrayed, Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane. He is “deeply distressed” and His “soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death” (Matthew 26:37-38). Likewise, Beowulf’s “mind was sad, restless, brooding on death” (text, p. 44). Each of these men expects and tells their friends of their coming deaths. Jesus predicted his death many days beforehand (Matthew 16:21), and Beowulf does so shortly before entering the dragon’s cave (text, p. 46). While Jesus supplicates, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39), the Geat trusts that “Fate, the master of every man, shall decide for us” (text, p. 46). After praying for Himself, Jesus also prays for His followers (John 17:6-19). In this manner, Beowulf “wished good fortune to his hearth-companions” (text, p. 44).
When danger comes, Jesus’ disciples “all forsook Him and fled” (Mark 14:50). Beowulf’s friends do the same. “No whit did his comrades, sons of chieftains, stand about him in a band with valour, but they took to the wood, they hid for their lives” (text, p. 47). Peter, however, pursues Jesus “at a distance” (Mark 14:54). Wiglaf’s “mind was roused to face sorrows,” and he follows his lord as well (text, p. 47).
Once arrested, Jesus is sent to a trial. He “answered nothing, so that Pilate marveled” (Mark 15:5). Beowulf also “boasted not of famous victories” (text, p. 47) but “stood staunchly against his high shield, when the dragon quickly coiled together; he waited in his war-gear” (text, p. 46). Just as Pilate knows that Jesus does not deserve death (Luke 23:4), Wiglaf says of his lord, “he deserves not to suffer affliction” (text, p. 48).

The battles that Beowulf encounters in the story—particularly his fight against the dragon—remind one of the fight between Jesus Christ and Satan—referred to as a dragon in Revelation 12:9.
There can be no friendship between Jesus and Satan, “For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14). Neither can Beowulf and the dragon “seek friendship” (p. 46). Hebrews 10:4 states, “it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.” Only Jesus is able to defeat Satan and take away sins. Beowulf, too, is the only one able to defeat the dragon. “This is not your venture,” he tells his men, “nor is it in any man’s power, except mine alone, to strive with his strength against the monster, to perform heroic deeds” (text, p. 46).
When Mark 15:37 says that “Jesus cried out with a loud voice and breathed His last” one can picture how horribly painful Jesus’ death was. The death of Beowulf also comes in a torturous manner. “His breast laboured with breathing. He who before held sway over the people suffered anguish, ringed round with fire” (text, p. 47). Similar to the soldier piercing Jesus’ side with a spear (John 19:34), the dragon bites Beowulf and he “grew stained with his life-blood; the gore welled out in surges” (text, p. 48). Sadly, the reader realizes that the King will not survive; but then, just as foretold in Genesis 3:15, He strikes the serpent’s head. Beowulf “struck with his battle-sword with mighty strength, so that, urged by the force of hate, it stuck in his head” (text, p. 48).
Jesus—after He has risen—gives Peter the commission to “Feed My sheep” (John 21:15-19). Akin to this, the dying Beowulf gives Wiglaf “his helm bright with gold, his ring and corslet; bade him use them well” (text, p. 51).
Hebrews 2:14-15 declares, “through death [Jesus] destroy[ed] him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release[d] those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Beowulf, though he died, killed the dragon—saving the people. “[I]t was sorrow for the young man to see on the earth the man he loved best, his life closed, lying there helpless. The slayer also lay low, the dread earth-dragon, reft of life, vanquished by violence” (text, p. 51). Not only did Jesus gain victory in His death, He also made the way for His followers to get to the reward of heaven (John 14:6). Beowulf rid the people of the dragon, at the same time procuring a “great store of jewels” (text, p. 49). “Beowulf had paid with his death for the many costly treasures” (text, p. 51).

Many aspects of the Beowulf story relate to the gospel story. Colossians 1:13-14 wonderfully sums up the plot: “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”

[all citations labeled "text" are taken from the Dover Thrift Edition of Beowulf.]

What Sort?

". . . what sort of person have you been today?"

-Thomas A Kempis
The Imitation of Christ

On my Inability to Save Myself

In The Ishbane Conspiracy by Randy Alcorn and his daughters Angela and Karina, the demon Prince Ishbane writes to his underling Foulgrin about tempting one of the protagonists.

Create a labyrinth of self-righteousness. Keep her wandering in the maze of self. Consume her with what she has to offer the Tyrant [God] rather than what He offers her. She believes her new life began by grace? Make her imagine it must be maintained by rule keeping. Make her motto, "God helps those who help themselves." Don't let her see that He helps those who realize they can't (p. 74).

Isaiah 61:5 says that "we need to be saved."
Over the past several weeks I've been realizing my depravity as a sinner. I am continuously finding myself doing things I shouldn't. Even my "righteousnesses are like filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6).
I cannot keep all the rules. I cannot stop sinning. I cannot help myself. I cannot save myself.
We are saved, "not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began" (2 Timothy 1:9).
It is God that saves.
"I will greatly rejoice in the LORD. My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness..." (Isaiah 61:10 emphasis added).

oh, praise the One
who paid my debt...

Patriot Day

Memorial Bridge

Pentagon

Pentagon Flag

Arlington Eagle

A Study in Selflessness

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

-Philippians 2:3-8

- Esteem Others Better Than Yourself -

In Luke 10:38-42, we read the well-known story of Mary and Martha. Martha knew that Jesus deserved the best, so she worked hard to serve Him. While she served, her sister, Mary, sat at Jesus' feet, listening to His words. "[D]istracted with much serving," Martha wanted Mary to help her, rather than viewing this as an opportunity to serve her sister as well.
Sometimes I behave like Martha. I am willing and ready to serve someone who I consider above me; but, when it comes to a younger sibling, I feel that they should be serving me.
This attitude is wrong. "Let no one seek his own," says Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:24, "but each one the other's well-being."

- Taking the Form of a Bondservant -

Instead of doing as Martha did--complaining when others don't help--I need to do as Jesus did--look for ways to serve others. Chapter 13 of the gospel of John gives an account of Jesus doing a strange thing. After supper, He gets down and begins to wash His disciples' feet.
In my opinion, washing someone else's feet is gross. Especially if they've been outside barefoot. There are a few grosser tasks, but not many. It certainly isn't the job you'd expect a King to do.
"If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you" (John 13:14-15).
Considering who Jesus is, you'd think that all of these men would be down on their knees, serving Him, not the other way around.
'But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave--just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:25-28).

- Obedient to the Point of Death -

Jesus didn't seek to please only Himself. He was truly selfless.
Matthew 26:39 tells of when Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, directly before His betrayal. 'He went a little father and He fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."'
Jesus was willing to sacrifice His very life--in a brutal form of death--in obedience to the Father.
In this act, He displayed His great love for us. Love "...does not seek its own..." (1 Corinthians 13:5). His love for my life was greater than His love for His own life. Right before Jesus said, "Great love has no one that this, than to lay down one's life for his friends," (which Jesus did) He said, "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you" (John 15:13, 12). I too, need to put others before myself--loving them more than myself, and valuing them and their happiness more than my own.

"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another" (Romans 12:10).

Every Kingdom Work

"Every kingdom work, whether publicly performed or privately endeavoured, partakes of the kingdom's imperishable character. Every honest intention, every stumbling word of witness, every resistance of temptation, every motion of repentance, every gesture of concern, every routine engagement, every motion of worship, every struggle towards obedience, every mumbled prayer, everything, literally, which flows out of our faith-relationship with the Ever-Living One, will find its place in the ever-living heavenly order which will dawn at his coming."
-Bruce Milne quoted Heaven by Randy Alcorn

According to Psalms

Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name... [105:1]
Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but to Your name give glory... [115:1]
From the rising of the sun to its gonig down The LORD's name is to be praised. [113:3]
Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me bless His holy name. [103:1]
And blessed be His glorious name forever! ... [72:19]

What is this name above all names, you ask? -a continuation of
a study began in Bible class at AWANA Scholarship Camp last
week-

• King of glory - 24:10
• LORD of hosts - 24:10
• great King over all the earth - 47:2
• help of my countenance - 43:5
• the living God - 42:2
• God-Who-Forgives - 99:8
• strength of my heart - 73:26
• my portion - 73:26
• the God of Jacob - 75:9
• stregth - 118:14
• song - 118:14
• salvation - 118:14
• my Rock -144:1
• lovingkindness - 144:2
• my fortress - 144:2
• my high tower - 144:2
• my deliverer - 144:2
• my shield - 144:2
• the One in whom I take refuge - 144:2
• our help - 124:8
• O Mighty One - 45:3
• very present help in trouble - 46:1
• O Most High - 92:1
• Rock of our salvation - 95:1
• the great God - 95:3
• great King above all gods - 95:3
• our Maker - 95:6
• mightier than the noise of many waters - 93:4
• sun - 84:11
• Most High over all the earth - 83:18
• just judge - 7:11
• my glory - 3:3
• the One who lifts up my head - 3:3
• refuge for the oppressed - 9:9
• refuge in times of trouble - 9:9
• the LORD, who dwells in Zion - 9:11
• King forever and ever - 10:16
• horn of my salvation - 18:2
• my Redeemer - 19:14
• God of my salvation - 18:46
• my light - 27:1
• mighty in battle - 24:8
• strength of my life - 27:1
• saving refuge of His annointed - 28:8
• holy - 30:4
• our guide - 48:14
• builder - 127:1
• healer - 30:2
• my helper - 54:4
• hope - 39:7
• preserver - 37:28
• my exceeding joy - 44:4
• knows the secrets of the heart - 44:21
• generous Spirit - 51:12
• defense - 59:16
• God of mercy - 59:17
• awesome in His doing toward the sons of men - 66:5
• YAH - 68:4
• father of the fatherless - 68:5
• defender of widows - 68:5
• my trust from my youth - 71:5
• hears the poor - 69:33
• only does wondrous things - 72:18
• glorious name - 72:18
• good - 86:5
• ready to forgive - 86:5
• abundant in mercy to all who call upon You - 86:5
• alone God - 86:10
• Holy One of Israel - 89:18
• Almighty - 91:1
• dwelling place 91:9

Oh magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. - 34:3
-all verses taken from Psalms-