(5–8 minutes, easy set-up)
Learners will hear about a television show that was planned to mock Jesus.
Information for this story comes from: http://www.mrc.org/press-releases/unanimous-comedy-centrals-jc-has-no-advertiser-support and http://www.wnd.com/2010/05/160833/. The quotation used below comes from the first source.
Share the following: In 2010, Comedy Central, cable TV channel, announced its plans to create an animated comedy called JC, which would provide a humorous look at what Jesus’ life would be like if He returned and had to adapt to the 21st century. One press report stated that the show would be about Jesus “wanting to escape the shadow of his ‘powerful but apathetic father’ and live a regular life in New York City.’”
Evangelicals were in an uproar over the proposed show. One organization, Citizens against Religious Bigotry (CARB), used letters and face-to-face visits with over 300 advertisers who had supported Comedy Central in the past to explain how offensive the show’s premise was to both Christians and many non-Christians. The result was that none of the advertisers provided any support to the show.
Ask: Why might Comedy Central have thought JC would have been a good show? Is there humor to be found in being offensive to a large group of people? Why?
After responses, point out that in today’s lesson, learners will look at the true identity of Jesus as the Son of God, Creator, and Savior.