12 Aug What is the Spirit Saying about that Scene in the Olympic Opening Ceremony?

If you haven’t watched it, you’ve probably heard about it. 

My newsfeed on social media has been full of it. A groundswell of angry protests about one particular scene in the Olympic opening ceremony.  For many, the scene appeared to look like Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting “The Last Supper” – an open mockery that was deeply offensive in substituting Jesus and his disciples at the table with pagan gods and drag queens.

As I scrolled through the angry comments, I found myself asking the question, what is the Holy Spirit saying about this? How should we respond?

Remembering that the Spirit was sent as the continuing voice of Jesus to continue his mission in every generation, we have a clear reference point. 

The Mockery of Jesus

Jesus himself was repeatedly mocked on his way to the cross. First by the Sanhedrin after his trial (Mark 14:65, Luke 22:63), then by Roman soldiers after his sentencing by Pilate (Mark 15:17, Matt. 27:29) and finally, by those who watched him breathe his last breath on the cross (Mark 15:31–32, Luke 23:36–37). The mockery was cruel, relentless and painful. “Sure, you’re a prophet! Sure, you’re a king! Sure you’re sent from God!” They attacked Jesus’ identity, mission and authority.

And how did Jesus respond?

Through it all, Jesus remained silent (eg. Matt. 26:63, John 19:9). 

But why? Where was Jesus’ courage to speak up in the face of wrongdoing? Why such an apparent display of weakness?

Remember that Jesus was always intentional about how and when he spoke. Sometimes he was firm and direct, other times he spoke in metaphors and parables. Many times, he asked questions. But on this occasion, he was resolutely silent. 

The question is, why?

An Act of Resistance

I believe Jesus’ silence was a deliberate act of resistance. Returning mockery in the same spirit would never overcome the falsehood driving it. Indeed, Jesus always acted in the opposite spirit, returning evil with good, hatred with love, and condemnation with grace. He did this because he knew that love is the only way to stem the flow of evil. Jesus’ silence, established in a manner of grace and forgiveness was a powerful spiritual weapon against darkness. It always has been and always will be.

As it turns out, the creators of the ceremony have since spoken up about that scene. Some have said it was never their intention to mock or attack Christians – or anyone for that matter. Others clarified the meaning of the scene, saying it was not a parody of the Last Supper, but a nod to the Greek gods that inspired the first Olympic games. For them, the scene was designed to reflect the power of sport to promote unity in the midst of diversity – the idea that everyone was welcome at the table, no matter who they are. 

Dinner with Jesus

If this is true, the creators of that scene may well be onto something. While Jesus did sit at a table with his twelve disciples for the last supper, hosting one of the most sacred moments of his life as he explained the meaning of his death, there were other tables Jesus sat at too. 

Jesus dined with everyone who was willing to sit with him. That included those in society  who were avidly rejected – in his day, tax collectors, prostitutes and lepers or “sinners” in other words (Matthew 9:10-17). Everyone had a place at his table. 

If it is true that the Olympics can bring everyone together, how much more can Jesus? How much more can those who carry his Spirit reflect his heart for everyone, no matter their story. Jesus sent his Spirit to help us follow him in every situation – in our own lives, as we watch the Olympics, and as we interact on social media. May we be a people who heed the voice of the Spirit of Jesus and follow!