From Scott's upcoming book, Superman and the Gospel of Jesus:
“Look, up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s Superman!” These words are among the most familiar in American pop culture. Yet many people don’t realize that when Superman first appeared, he couldn’t actually fly. In Action Comics #1, the Man of Steel could only jump great distances—about an eighth of a mile, to be exact—hence the famous phrase, “able to leap tall buildings in a single bound.” It wasn’t until The Adventures of Superman radio show, in February 1940, that Superman fully mastered the pull of gravity, trading his mighty leaps for effortless, graceful flight.
Since then, Superman has become a marvel of the skies, soaring over Metropolis with an elegance that captures the imagination. His ability to defy gravity is perhaps his most inspiring power. What child hasn’t tied a towel around their neck, stretched out their arms, and dreamed of flying?
When Superman: The Movie (1978) was released, early promotional material made a bold promise: “You’ll believe a man can fly.” Christopher Reeve delivered on that promise in spectacular fashion.
Reeve’s Superman didn’t just fly—he glided effortlessly, like a god among the clouds. His first true flight, after emerging from the Fortress of Solitude in full costume, is breathtaking. He soars into the night sky, rolling and twisting as though he were born to fly. The camera follows him as he streaks across the heavens, the iconic red cape billowing behind him. The scene is pure cinematic magic.
Perhaps the most iconic flight sequence comes later, when Superman takes Lois Lane on a romantic journey above Metropolis. As they ascend high above the city, Lois is breathless, suspended in midair by nothing but Superman’s grip. The wind rushes past, the city lights twinkle below, and John Williams’ soaring score swells in the background. She looks into his eyes, utterly captivated by this caped wonder from another world. The moment is spellbinding—a dreamy, poetic depiction of what it must feel like to soar beyond earthly limitations.
Yet, it is the film’s final moments that linger in the hearts of fans. After saving the day, Superman rises high above the Earth, the planet stretching below him in all its blue and green splendor. Just as the sun breaks over the horizon, he pauses, turns toward the camera, and flashes a knowing smile before soaring off into the stars. It is a perfect farewell—a hero ascended, watching over the world he loves.
Superman fans and followers of Jesus have something in common—we believe a man can fly.
The Bible tells us that after Jesus rose from the dead, He gathered with His disciples one last time. Then, in a moment as awe-inspiring as anything seen on film, He began to rise into the sky before their very eyes:
“It was not long afterwards that he rose into the sky and disappeared into a cloud, leaving them staring after him.” (Acts 1:9, TLB)
Imagine standing there among the disciples, watching in astonishment as Jesus ascends higher and higher. His robe ripples in the wind, the sunlight catches His form, and then—He vanishes into the clouds above.
But where did He go?
Is He still hovering just beyond the clouds, circling the Earth like Superman? No, His destination was far greater. The prophet Daniel foresaw this moment centuries earlier:
“As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence.” (Daniel 7:13, NLT)
These verses reveal that Jesus didn’t simply disappear—He ascended into the very presence of the Father, seated at the right hand of God, victorious and reigning.
For fans who stuck around after the credits of Superman: The Movie, there was an extra surprise—a promise. The last words to appear on screen were: “Next Year: Superman II.”
This simple statement filled audiences with anticipation. Superman would return. And return he did, in sequels, animated series, television shows, and countless other adaptations.
Followers of Christ have received a similar promise, but one with far greater stakes. As the disciples stood gazing into the sky, two angels appeared beside them and declared:
“Why are you standing here looking into the sky? Jesus, whom you saw taken up from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you saw him go.” (Acts 1:11, NLT)
One day, the sky will split open. The heavens will shine with glory. And just as He ascended, Jesus will return—but this time, not as a suffering servant. He will return as the victorious King.
And when that day comes, we won’t just watch in awe. Just as Lois flew through the air with Superman, we will join Jesus in the air.
“The Lord himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. And those who have died believing in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive will be gathered up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And we will be with the Lord forever.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, NCV)
Imagine it—one moment, your feet are on solid ground, burdened by the weight of the world. Then, in an instant, everything changes. A trumpet sounds, a voice calls out, and suddenly, you’re literally swept off your feet. The wind rushes around you as the earth falls away. Higher and higher you ascend, past the clouds, into golden sunlight. All around, countless others are rising too—faces filled with wonder, voices lifted in joyful praise. And at the center of it all is Jesus. The One who died for you. The One who conquered the grave. The One who promised to return—and now, in this breathtaking moment, has kept that promise. You see Him in all His glory, and as you draw near, your heart overflows with a joy beyond words.
What a glorious day that will be!
Until that day comes, we wait in hope. Like the citizens of Metropolis watching the skies for Superman, we lift our eyes toward the heavens. In promotional material for Superman (2025), director James Gunn captures this sentiment with an inspiring, yet remarkably simple tagline: “Look Up.”
The teaser trailer shows the citizens of Metropolis gazing toward the heavens, watching as Superman streaks into the sky, disappearing into the light of the sun. It is a powerful image—one of hope, of wonder, of expectation.
Like the people of Metropolis, we, too, live in anticipation. We look up, not just for a hero in a cape, but for our Savior, our King, our Redeemer. We live each day in hope, waiting for the moment when the sky will break open and He will return for His own.
Until then, we keep watching. We keep hoping.
And we keep looking up.