GLADIATOR (2002)

Directed by: Ridley Scott
Written by: David Franzoni, John Logan, William Nicholson
Studio: DreamWorks SKG, Universal Pictures
Starring: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Neilsen
Rated: R

About the film:
A Roman general is betrayed by the emperor’s son. His family is slaughtered and he is exiled into a life of slavery. As a slave, he is bought by an entrepreneur who wants to train him to become a gladiator. Proving himself in the arena, he eventually returns to Rome where he vows to exact his revenge.

Movie Quote:
“What we do in life echoes in eternity.”
Maximus (Russell Crowe) in Gladiator (2000)

Bible Quote:
“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
1 Corinthians 9:25 (NIV)

Commentary:
We can say ‘amen’ to the words of Maximus. What we do here on earth does have an impact on our eternal life. Records are being kept; rewards are being stored. All will be revealed in due time.

Of course, our salvation is not dependent upon what we do here on earth, excepting that we must confess Jesus as Lord and believe that God raised him from the dead. Performing those simple, but genuinely believed, acts will get us born again of God’s spirit, guaranteeing our eternal life. Nothing more of us is required. It is a gift of God given by grace and paid for by the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

However, as His believers, the actions that we take in this life will indeed “echo in eternity.” As we remain faithful to God and His Word, we are promised certain eternal rewards – spiritual ‘crowns’ that are incorruptible. These are rewards that will never fade.

What form these crowns may take we will discover when we receive them. The key point to remember is this: how we conduct ourselves in this life not only has an impact in this world - it will carry its impact into the next.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. There are five specific kinds of ‘crowns’ mentioned in the Scriptures. What are they and for what are they given? Are any of these actions reflected in this film?
2. Was Maximus only out for revenge? Or was he driven by the promise he made to the former emperor?

Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com