Finding Jesus in The Twilight Zone

I really enjoy watching reruns of the original Twilight Zone. This science fiction TV show, that originally aired from 1959 to 1964, was full of creative plots with themes about space invaders, time travel and supernatural events. Lessons of morality, justice and the human condition are weaved into the storylines of these imaginary worlds. These 5th -dimension worlds, as described by the show’s creator, Rod Serling, were not overtly religious. However, many of the episodes presented themes and lessons directly from the Holy Scriptures. So, let’s take a look, at how to find Jesus in the Twilight Zone.

Changing of the Guard: Season 3- Episode 37
Our 1st stop brings us to the Rock Spring School for Boys. After 51 years of being a devoted professor, Ellis Fowler is forced into retirement just before Christmas. Feeling rejected and worthless, his mind is flooded with negative thoughts of how his career has been in vain without having a positive influence on any of his students. After listening to a broadcast of Handel's Messiah, he goes for a walk with a pistol in hand. While walking the school grounds after hours with every intent of ending his life, mysteriously the school bell begins to chime. He investigates the sound which leads him to his classroom. Seven figures appear before him. To his surprise, it’s seven former students that have already passed away while performing heroic actions. The boys share with the professor how his words had inspired them to live lives full of courage, loyalty & honesty. The encounter leaves Professor Fowler with the assurance of having had a positive influence on his students. The episode ends with the professor declaring that “I didn’t win the victories, but I helped others to win them. Perhaps, in some small measure they are victories I can share.”  As Christians we all play apart in bringing about the purposes of God and the advancement of His kingdom. 1 Corinthians chapter twelve tells us that the body of Christ is made up of many members each with their own role. 1 Corinthians chapter three explains that some will plant and some will water, but each person will receive his own reward according to his own labor, for we are God’s fellow workers. Be encouraged knowing that everything you do for Jesus is not in vain.
 
I Am the Night; Color Me Black: Season 5- Episode 26                                                                  As our journey continues, we enter a small mid-west town. It’s execution day for a man convicted of murder. However, the sun has yet to rise into the daytime hours. In the killer’s last conversation with the town’s reverend, he asks “It’s important to get with the majority, isn’t it?” The reverend responds, “That’s all there is, the majority. The minority must have died on the cross 2,000 years ago.” The town’s people are uneasy by the darkness but are gathering with excitement to cheer on the execution. After the killer dies, the reverend addresses the crowd with words of rebuke. “Do you know what the blackness is? It’s the hate he felt, the hate you felt, the hate all of us feel, and it’s too much of it, it’s just too much…” This episode speaks to the condition of the hearts of men darkened by a sinful world. Thankfully, Jesus has come to light our world. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12
 
The Gift: Season 3- Episode 32                                                                                                              The final destination on this tour brings us to a small village in Mexico. An alien ship crashes on the outskirts of town. The police investigate and one officer is accidently killed. The people are now in fear of the visitor from another planet. The episode very quickly draws many parallels to Jesus. The alien is on a good will mission to earth with the purpose of offering a special gift. After being rejected by most of the villagers, the alien finds friendship with a 9-year-old boy named Pedro. The alien tells Pedro that they have the same God and then asks, “Did not His Son come once?” Pedro responds, “And they nailed Him to a cross.”  The alien says, “And then spent 2,000 years learning to believe in Him.” The episode ends with the death of the alien and the destruction of the gift which is discovered later to be the formula to cure all forms of cancer.                                                                                                      Jesus came and lived a perfect life which allowed Him to go to the cross and die as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. He rose from the dead on the 3rd day. Offering the gift of eternal life to all who believe in Him.                                                                                              For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our    Lord.  Romans 6:23