While John and Morpheus seem certain that they have found the one they have been waiting for, others are not so sure. Morpheus' disciples wait and watch to see if Neo is the one. After John has witnessed to others that Jesus is the one, Jesus begins his ministry. Jesus amazes people with his miraculous acts. He heals people of sicknesses. From a simple word or a touch by Jesus the blind can see, the deaf can hear, and the crippled can run and dance. Crowds of people come to see Jesus and they all want to ask the same question, "Is he the one?" One woman who encountered Jesus went back to people in the village and said, "Come see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" (John 4:29) Another time Jesus did a miracle where fish and bread were multiplied and he fed a crowd of thousands. Though Jesus had many opponents, none denied that this miracle had occurred. The crowds saw this miracle and their thoughts turned again to messianic hopes. The Jews perceived that the miracle man could be the savior for their country. Jesus could surely free them from Roman rule and help them to conquer their enemies. But this was not Jesus' mission. His mission was bigger. The mob of people wowed by Jesus' powers wanted to take him and force him to be their king (John 5:15). Jesus would not allow it to happen. What was true 2000 years ago is still true today. Jesus will only be accepted on his terms and he refuses to allow people to redefine what those terms are.
Jesus opponents believed that he was not 'the one.' In fact they accused him of deceiving the people. They called him a heretic, a liar, and demon-possessed. Yet others recognized that Jesus' actions were not the actions of a crazed lunatic. One time his jealous opponents tried to take Jesus away. "They tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come. Still, many in the crowd put their faith in him. They said, 'When the Christ comes, will he do more miraculous signs than this man?'" (John 7:30-31)
There is an important point where the allegory of "The Matrix" diverges from reflecting the story of Jesus. Neo is unsure of who he is. In fact he believes that he is not 'the one.' He thinks Morpheus is mistaken. In contrast, Jesus was certain of who he was. He did not doubt that he was 'the one.' Just one example of many found in the book of John is a time when people came to him and said, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus answered them, "I did tell you but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, they shall never perishŠI and the Father are one" (John 10:24-28, 30).
Jesus was quite assured that he was 'the one.' Even at the age of 12, Jesus was found in the temple discussing religion with adults. Jesus said, "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" (Luke 2:49). This is significant because even at such a young age Jesus is claiming a special relationship with God by calling God his father. In fact later in Jesus' public ministry, his opponents complained when they heard Jesus call God, "my Father." Jesus referred to God as his father and the Bible says, "For this reason the Jews tried to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God" (John 5:17-18). This is an example where Jesus could have clarified the situation quite easily if he didn't believe that he was God's chosen one. It was apparent what his opponents were upset about and Jesus could have elected to say, "Hold on here. Big misunderstanding. You thought I was claiming to be equal to God? Noooo. No. You got it all wrong. I never claimed that." But look it up! Jesus didn't say that at all. In fact, Jesus continued to talk about "My Father" and goes on for some length about how Jesus himself is the giver of eternal life.
It is safe to say that Jesus never was a victim of an identity crisis. In fact if "The Matrix" had chosen to strike more closely to the real story, the movie would have had Morpheus begin to doubt that Neo was the chosen one. What I mean is that John the Baptist began to have doubts about Jesus. Why? Because John himself, expected that the messiah would be more politically active than Jesus was. John the Baptist's expectations of Jesus were different from the reality of Jesus' actions. John was arrested and thrown into jail for preaching against immorality. When Jesus didn't help secure John the Baptist's freedom, perhaps John becomes less certain of Jesus' status as the messiah. This is not a shock. Whenever circumstances do not go quite like we imagine they should, our first reaction is to wonder if God has somehow abandoned us. But John, who is struggling to know for sure that Jesus is the messiah, sends his disciples to Jesus to clarify the situation. Their question, "Are you the one who was to come or should we expect someone else?" (Matthew 11:3) Is he the one? It's fascinating how Jesus responds the way he does. Jesus is so secure in his identity that when his former 'number one fan' began to doubt, Jesus doesn't panic at all. He doesn't get indignant or defensive. Jesus' feelings aren't hurt. John's doubts don't affect Jesus' own assurance that he is God's chosen one. He simply tells John's followers to take a look around and do some constructive eavesdropping. They stay awhile to see what Jesus is doing and then Jesus summarizes for them, "The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me" (Matthew 11:4-6). If you get curious and read further in the account, you'll see that Jesus then began to talk about what a great and important person John the Baptist was.
Isn't it great that Jesus is ready and willing to deal with our doubts and struggles to believe in him? If John the Baptist could question and struggle, how much more can we go to Jesus to help us wrestle with our faith. Here is a God who is not threatened by our questions. Jesus desires to help us through our unbelief. He is a patient God. While we struggle with our own identity and security, Jesus did not. He is not threatened by what others think about him. Jesus is simply the most secure person who has ever lived. He knew who he was. He was God's special chosen son.
Neo though is still uncertain. Morpheus has explained to him that the world Neo has lived in is a lie. Morpheus tells Neo, "All I am offering is the truth." Morpheus has told him The Matrix is not what real life is. The world Neo has known is a prison. "It is the world that has been pulled over your eyes to blind you from the truth," Morpheus explains to Neo. Neo asks, "What truth?" Morpheus clarifies, "That you are a slave, Neo. That you, like everyone else, was born into bondage...kept inside a prison that you cannot smell, taste, or touch. A prison for your mind."
Again part of this is true to the story of Jesus Christ. Jesus was born into the world we live in. What kind of world do we live in? It's a world where people are born into bondage to sin. People are powerless on their own to live a life fully pleasing to God. In fact, people are inclined from birth to live selfishly rather than living for their loving creator. People cannot simply decide to live a perfect life. At our corrupted core, humans are self-serving, and self-worshiping. It's impossible for us to overcome this problem on our own. We are trapped in a prison for our mind.
Jesus did not need to have truth explained to him by anyone. Jesus was never blinded by sin. He saw and understood completely the problem of the prison of sin. He knew his mission was to eradicate this problem. Jesus came to free people from prison. He came to free us from this prison for our mind. But unlike Neo, Jesus was not born into bondage with his eyes closed to the truth. For Jesus was without sin. Though Jesus was subjected to temptation just as we are, (Hebrews 4:15) he did not sin. Jesus was not imprisoned by sin. His life was completely pleasing to God. One time Jesus even challenged his opponents to prove him guilty of sin (John 8:46). If you don't realize the magnitude of Jesus' challenge, than try challenging your family, friends, or enemies to prove you guilty of sin. No thanks. But when Jesus made that challenge, his opponents were silent. They could not prove him guilty of anything. That's because Jesus never sinned.
In "The Matrix," there is more symbolism. The Agent Smith represents Satan. He hates humans. He wants to keep them from the truth and keep them living in a world of deceit. There is a point where Agent Smith interrogates Neo. This is reminiscent of Satan's temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. The Agent tries to persuade Neo to come over to his side. But just as Jesus resisted, Neo stands strong as well. Cypher is the Judas Iscariot of The Matrix. He betrays Neo, just as Judas betrayed Jesus Christ. Cypher makes a deal with Agent Smith to hand over Morpheus to ensure that The Matrix will be safe. The difference in the story here is that Jesus is aware of the one who will betray him. Neither Morpheus nor Neo is prepared for Cypher's actions. Neo is caught completely by surprise. Jesus predicts Judas' betrayal. He knows exactly what is going on (John 13:18-30).
Neo is 'resurrected.' There is a point in the movie that it appears Neo is dead. All is lost. But Neo comes to life again. With renewed determination he crushes Agent Smith as well as the other agents. Jesus is resurrected. Only Jesus' death was not momentary. He was in the grave (a tomb) for a period covering three days. On the third day he was raised from the dead (First Corinthians 15:4). Jesus Christ was raised to a new body. It is a resurrection body, which cannot be destroyed. But like Neo, Jesus will destroy the evil one. The Bible says, "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet" (Romans 16:20).
This is truth. Jesus Christ was sent by God to rescue humanity from the prison of sin and death. His sacrificial death on a cross frees all those who will accept that Jesus is their savior. Receive that as truth and you are given the right to become born of God (John 1:18). As Jesus says, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31). "All I am offering is the truth." The choice is yours.