He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed (Luke 4: 18). 

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a collection of movies and television shows that follow groups of superheroes as they face all sorts of potential world-ending or universe-destroying cataclysms.  These heroes are gifted with amazing superpowers, like inhuman strength, uncanny intellect, or mystical powers.  And of course, cool uniforms and fancy capes.  But out of all the Marvel superheroes, Hawkeye is my favorite. 

What I like about Hawkeye is that he’s just a “normal” guy. He’s not a super soldier, an alien with superhuman strength, or gifted with magical abilities.  Hawkeye doesn’t even get a cape. He’s just a guy who happens to be very good at what he does, which is using his bow to hit targets with unerring accuracy.  Sometimes he’s even the butt of a joke, being that “normal” guy who brings a bow and arrows to fight some extra-dimensional world-eating monster.  But through it all, Hawkeye consistently proves himself as a hero and valuable member of the team.  

He's not superhuman, but his actions sure seemed supernatural.  

Sometimes it’s easy for me to forget the human side of Jesus, and view him as superhuman, superhero, or supernatural.  When Jesus proclaims his mission to bring freedom to captives, sight to the blind, and liberty to the oppressed, I can sit on the sidelines cheering for him, like a bystander watching a superhero save the day. But I’m missing the invitation from Jesus to live and act supernaturally through the Spirit.

When I’m not shy about sharing my personal journey with Jesus, I’m proclaiming his message of liberty to those still held captive in this world. When I see someone struggling to make sense of things, and inquire about their relationship with Jesus, I’m helping recover the sight of someone who’s perhaps been blinded.  And when I offer compassion, guidance, or just an ear to listen to someone challenged with a difficult situation, I’m helping ease their oppression in this world.   

In all these instances, I’m a “normal” guy acting supernaturally through the power of the Spirit. Like Hawkeye in a Marvel movie, I don’t fly in with a billowing cape to save the day.  There’s no giant explosion, fireworks, or spectacular flash of magic.  But I’m guided by the words and deeds of Jesus and empowered by his Spirit to act supernaturally in ways that point other people towards God.     

What are ways in your life right now where Jesus is calling you to act supernaturally?  Where can you be a “hero” to someone by helping ease a burden, listen to their troubles, or share a message about good things Jesus has done in your life?