Please note: The following text contains spoilers
“I've learned that each of us is more than the worst thing that we've ever
done; that the opposite of poverty isn't wealth, the opposite of poverty is
justice; that the character of our nation isn't reflected on how we treat the
rich and the privileged, but how we treat the poor, the disfavoured,
and condemned.”
In January, an article from The Gospel Coalition recommended
that Christians should sit up and take notice of three films, as a result
of “their moral clarity and courage”: Just Mercy, Dark Waters and A
Hidden Life. Much to my shame as a so-called ‘film fan’, I ignored all of
them, making the excuse that they were ‘too serious’ to watch in such
a dour time as this. That is, until now, as I recently felt prompted to
watch and engage with Just Mercy (based on a true story), which is
powered and propelled forward by its righteous anger in the face of
pure evil, which is, tragically, all too prominent in today’s society:
systemic inequality which derives from racism. It’s for this reason that
the film naturally possesses serious emotional heft, moving me to tears as
it neared its conclusion. In highlighting and speaking out against evil, therefore, Just Mercy is essential viewing. However, it’s the distinctly Christian response to the subject of mercy, deeply engrained within the film’s DNA, which is certainly worth exploring for evangelistic purposes.
“I've learned that each of us is more than the worst thing that we've ever
done; that the opposite of poverty isn't wealth, the opposite of poverty is
justice; that the character of our nation isn't reflected on how we treat the
rich and the privileged, but how we treat the poor, the disfavoured,
and condemned.”
In January, an article from The Gospel Coalition recommended
that Christians should sit up and take notice of three films, as a result
of “their moral clarity and courage”: Just Mercy, Dark Waters and A
Hidden Life. Much to my shame as a so-called ‘film fan’, I ignored all of
them, making the excuse that they were ‘too serious’ to watch in such
a dour time as this. That is, until now, as I recently felt prompted to
watch and engage with Just Mercy (based on a true story), which is
powered and propelled forward by its righteous anger in the face of
pure evil, which is, tragically, all too prominent in today’s society:
systemic inequality which derives from racism. It’s for this reason that
the film naturally possesses serious emotional heft, moving me to tears as
it neared its conclusion. In highlighting and speaking out against evil, therefore, Just Mercy is essential viewing. However, it’s the distinctly Christian response to the subject of mercy, deeply engrained within the film’s DNA, which is certainly worth exploring for evangelistic purposes.
Adapted from his memoir, Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, this legal drama follows the Harvard-educated lawyer Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan), as he travels to Alabama with the goal of defending those who are wrongly condemned and receive unjust sentencing from the American justice system. In perhaps what has become the most prominent case of his now-legendary career, Stevenson seeks to defend Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx), an African American man who, despite proving his innocence, was convicted of the 1986 murder of Ronda Morrison, a white woman. In the face of great trials and tribulations, it’s the historic bond between these two men and Bryan’s decision to grant mercy and compassion towards Walter, which speaks powerfully to the saving character of Christ.
For example, through establishing early on that Bryan is a Harvard law graduate and has specifically chosen not to pursue a career in a prestigious law firm, but establish the non-profit Equal Justice Initiative, Bryan is noted to be fixated upon the plight of the needy and not those of greater social standing, or his own personal gain. Like Jesus, Bryan is compassionate, which prompts Him to act with merciful love and do his utmost to rescue these broken individuals. In every situation, Bryan grants such tender mercies to whoever needs it – of which there are many. Even when we first meet Bryan, director Destin Daniel Cretton donates an entire scene to watching him reminisce with a prison inmate who, much like him, grew up going to church. And for albeit a brief moment, this emotionally tortured inmate’s emotional burdens are lifted from him and he experiences joy. Many oppressed individuals cry out to be saved throughout Just Mercy and are almost always met at their greatest need by the ever-present Bryan, which reminded me of Matthew 20, when two blind men hear that Jesus is coming by and call out to Him:
For example, through establishing early on that Bryan is a Harvard law graduate and has specifically chosen not to pursue a career in a prestigious law firm, but establish the non-profit Equal Justice Initiative, Bryan is noted to be fixated upon the plight of the needy and not those of greater social standing, or his own personal gain. Like Jesus, Bryan is compassionate, which prompts Him to act with merciful love and do his utmost to rescue these broken individuals. In every situation, Bryan grants such tender mercies to whoever needs it – of which there are many. Even when we first meet Bryan, director Destin Daniel Cretton donates an entire scene to watching him reminisce with a prison inmate who, much like him, grew up going to church. And for albeit a brief moment, this emotionally tortured inmate’s emotional burdens are lifted from him and he experiences joy. Many oppressed individuals cry out to be saved throughout Just Mercy and are almost always met at their greatest need by the ever-present Bryan, which reminded me of Matthew 20, when two blind men hear that Jesus is coming by and call out to Him:
“Son of David! Have mercy on us, sir!” The crowd scolded them and told them to be quiet. But they shouted even more loudly, “Son of David! Have mercy on us, sir!” Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked them.
“Sir,” they answered, “we want you to give us our sight!” Jesus had pity on them and touched their eyes;
at once they were able to see, and they followed him.
Matthew 20:30-34 (GNT)
“Sir,” they answered, “we want you to give us our sight!” Jesus had pity on them and touched their eyes;
at once they were able to see, and they followed him.
Matthew 20:30-34 (GNT)
Early on throughout the film, Bryan also hosts a series of interviews with prospective clients who are on death row and require legal aid – he listens to their stories intently, makes notes and shares in their grief by expressing his genuine sadness and care for their plight. We watch as Bryan visits Walter’s family, in order to not only gather further evidence and secure testimonies for use in court, but to console them in their time of distress. In meeting these individuals who require his help, Bryan’s understanding of this systemic issue deepens, and he comes to realise that these people are totally helpless in their plight and rely solely upon the mercy of others in order to save their lives. Whilst many of these inmates are established as innocent, the Bible teaches that we are in fact, much like guilty inmates on death row. For “everyone has sinned” and done wrong in God’s sight, “we all fall short of God’s glorious standard” (Romans 3:23, NLT) and thereby deserve to receive the “payment for sin (which) is death” (Romans 6:23, ICB), in accordance with God’s law. There is nothing we can do, in our own strength, to rid ourselves of sin and its effects – it stains and binds us in its grip. But God, in His great love for the world is merciful, and “gives…the free gift of life forever” (Romans 6:23, ICB) to those who ask for forgiveness from their sin, turn away from their old lives and come to faith in God.
Regardless of whether the inmates are ‘good people’ or not, Bryan doesn’t allow that to influence his overall decision of whether to represent them. At one point, Walter is embarrassed to reveal that he previously committed adultery, but this does nothing to dissuade Bryan from continuing on in the task he’s set out to complete – for the good of Walter and his family. “Whatever you did, your life is still meaningful and I’m gonna do everything to stop them from taking it”, he says to one inmate. This reminded me of God’s view towards us in 2 Peter 3:9 (NLT), in which it is written that God “does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent” and give their lives to Him. For whilst we are all guilty of sin in the eyes of the Father, God made a way for us to be granted mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ – God’s one and only Son who was given as the “…offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:21, NLT) when He died on the Cross and rose again three days later. At the midway point of the film, an inmate whom Bryan represents, tells the young lawyer: “You the only one who cared enough to fight for me”. This is also true of Jesus, the One who never wanted us to die in our sin but gave up His life so that we would live in freedom and relationship with Him – today and in eternity.
Challenge:
Why not prayerfully invite a friend or family member who doesn’t yet know Jesus, to watch Just Mercy for themselves? Use the film’s themes to ask them what they thought of the film, if they spotted any links to Christianity and what they might think of the Gospel’s response to this subject.
If you feel able to, ask them what they think about God fighting for us and not being content with us perishing in our sin? What do they think about God wanting to grant them mercy, despite having done wrong against Him? You could then ask them what they think about how God loves them so much, that He still considers them valuable despite the way in which they’ve lived their life, in ignorance of Him. Later, if they're open to hearing it, take an opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel message with them.
Prior to watching the film for yourself, however, take a moment to pray that God would speak to you through the film. If you feel comfortable, pray this prayer over all of your future, film-watching experiences:
Dear Lord, As I watch this film, I ask that you would be present here with me. Highlight to me anything within it that is honourable, anything that can be used in conversation for your Kingdom purposes. Amen.
Just Mercy is now available to purchase on DVD/Blu-Ray or rent on digital platforms
Challenge:
Why not prayerfully invite a friend or family member who doesn’t yet know Jesus, to watch Just Mercy for themselves? Use the film’s themes to ask them what they thought of the film, if they spotted any links to Christianity and what they might think of the Gospel’s response to this subject.
If you feel able to, ask them what they think about God fighting for us and not being content with us perishing in our sin? What do they think about God wanting to grant them mercy, despite having done wrong against Him? You could then ask them what they think about how God loves them so much, that He still considers them valuable despite the way in which they’ve lived their life, in ignorance of Him. Later, if they're open to hearing it, take an opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel message with them.
Prior to watching the film for yourself, however, take a moment to pray that God would speak to you through the film. If you feel comfortable, pray this prayer over all of your future, film-watching experiences:
Dear Lord, As I watch this film, I ask that you would be present here with me. Highlight to me anything within it that is honourable, anything that can be used in conversation for your Kingdom purposes. Amen.
Just Mercy is now available to purchase on DVD/Blu-Ray or rent on digital platforms
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