In a scene at the start of the film, audiences receive a glimpse of several criminals scattered around the city as Batman monologues, “It’s a big city. I can’t be everywhere. But they don’t know where I am. We have a signal now. For when I’m needed. But when that light hits the sky, it’s not just a call. It’s a warning. To them. Fear is a tool. They think I’m hiding in the shadows. But I am the shadows.” The scene then focuses in on a band of hoodlums surrounding an innocent civilian. Before they can assault their target, they suddenly hear heavy footsteps coming from the shadows. As Batman emerges from the darkened corner, one of the assailants calls out, “Who the #@&%! are you supposed to be?” Before Batman says a word, the clown-faced thug swings a machete at the Dark Knight. In a swift series of savage strikes, Batman beats the hoodlum into the ground, then answers, “I’m vengeance.” After quickly dispatching the rest of the ruffians, Batman peers down at the cowering victim, then simply walks away.
Shadows.
Vengeance. These things compose the gritty core of Batman at the onset of the
movie. But as the story unfolds, the Caped Crusader experiences an interesting
character arch. Throughout the film Batman wrestles with probing questions: Is
he making Gotham better? Does vengeance do any good? What sort of hero does
Gotham truly need?
Eventually
Batman comes to the realization that he must become more than a shadowy slinger
of batarangs and harbinger of vengeance. He must become a symbol of hope—a
beacon of light, leading the way. This transformation is symbolized visually by
Batman lighting a flare and rescuing a group of frightened citizens as the city
suffers severe flooding. Reaching out his hand, he lifts them one-by-one out of
the rising waters and uses his light to lead them to safety. He then continues
to work in broad daylight alongside firefighters and emergency personal as he
monologues, “I’m starting to see now… Vengeance won’t change the past, mine or
anyone else’s. I have to become more. People need hope.”
Similarly, the Bible warns Christians not to pursue the path of vengeance. “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord” (Romans 12:19 ESV). Rather, we are called and commanded to shine the light of Christ. Jesus declared to his disciples, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16 NIV).
Batman saved lives by lighting a flare and leading the way. Likewise, Christians must save souls by shining our lights and leading people to Jesus. Much like the citizens of Gotham, we are surrounded by darkness. But it’s in the darkness that our little lights shine the brightest. What does this look like? How do we become a light in the darkness? We offer help to the helpless. We offer hope to the hopeless. We love our neighbors and even our enemies. We do good deeds in broad daylight that give glory to God. Our goal is to point people to the world’s great hero—Jesus Christ. So, follow the Batman’s example. Leave vengeance to the Lord and let your light shine brightly!
