The Equalizer with Paul McDonald and Jaime Jo Wright
Coming up on the Men at the Movies podcast, in anticipation of Equalizer 3, we’re talking about the Equalizer. Robert McCall reflects many aspects of the work of Jesus—he responds to people who are powerless against the oppression they experience because he’s a man who can do something about the evil that exists. How do you become a knight in shining armor in a world where knights no longer exist? You gotta be who you are in this world, no matter what. Join us as we discover God’s truth in this movie.
About Jaime
Jaime Jo, the coffee-fueled and cat-fancier extraordinaire, has a literary vocation that involves penning chilling Gothic tales, with a strong preference to the master of dark, Edgar Allan Poe. When she's not writing books like her award-winning novel, "The House on Foster Hill", she is hanging out at her own podcast, "MadLit Musings" (www.madlitmusings.com). and chatting with authors from all walks about the story behind the story.
Quotes
I love the type of movie where someone uses their gifts in the role of protector, not just to rescue the person, but wreak havoc on the ones doing the damage.
Evil is shown in it’s rotten core, and we’re okay with it being wiped out.
We’re looking for a knight in shining armor in a world where they are told they don’t exist.
I want to be the knight in shining armor, but am the person who needs help much more often.
It’s not so much that I relate to Robert McCall, but I need a Robert McCall in my life.
There’s a gap between what we want to be able to do and who we actually are. We know we need a rescuer, whether we want to admit it or not.
Robert responds to a person who is powerless against a system of oppression coming against them.
We pray for blessing all the time, but aren’t prepared to handle all the consequences that come with it.
Jesus says, “I came so that you might be free, now what are you going to do with that freedom?”
We like to blind our eyes to the reality of the world we live in.
Submission is ultimately allowing yourself to be loved.
Jesus constantly seeks out those who have the odds stacked against them, the ones who need help.
Themes
Desire for both rescue and justice
The books he reads reveals his story
Old Man and the Sea-“this is a man who is who he is and does what he does because of his identity.”
Don Quixote-“a story about a guy who thinks he’s a knight in shining armor, who lives in a world where knights no longer exist.”
Invisible Man
His mission echoes the mission of Jesus
Evil happens in the world, and here is a man who can do something about it
Treats what’s important to the person as important to him (responds to Alina being trafficked and losing a wedding ring with equal effort). Each one is powerless against the system, against the oppression coming against them.
He requests change from the person he is rescuing.
He offers everyone a choice to do the right thing.
Being a knight in a world that doesn’t believe knights exist
Men portrayed as either a domineering patriarchal person, or totally emasculated
Men are lost without someone to tell them what a good man looks like (only offered what it’s not)
Men are to love as Christ loved the church-not needing a response, in humility, not demanding respect or submission, doesn’t need thanks or recognition
Reflected in Robert’s relationship with Alina—he does what he does to set her free, not asking for anything other than to live her life to the full, giving her the opportunity to blossom, doesn’t require thanks or recognition, she is set free to stand on her own, have her own thoughts, becomes who she was created to be.
His thanks is seeing Ralphie in a security guard outfit, knowing Jennie got her ring back, knowing Alina is free from slavery/bondage/oppression.
Resources
MadLit Musings podcast
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” - Genesis 3:15 (NIV)
“The two most important days of your life are they day you are born, and the day you find out why.” -Mark Twain
Men are Lost. Here’s a Map out of the Wilderness by Christine Emba
“Aslan is a lion- the Lion, the great Lion." "Ooh" said Susan. "I'd thought he was a man. Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion"..."Safe?" said Mr Beaver ..."Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.” - C.S. Lewis in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
Questions
Why do we cheer the vigilante justice shown in this movie (and Taken, John Wick, Punisher, etc)?
What’s the difference between murder and justice?
How does the actions of Robert McCall mirror the work of Jesus? How are they different?
Do knights still exist in our world today?
What does it mean to be a knight in shining armor?
Is there a need for such a person?
How are you in the role of the person in need (like Ralphie, Alina, or Jennie)?
How are the odds against you? How do you need help?
How has Jesus rescued you?
How has he asked you to change?
What does this quote mean to you: “When you pray for rain, be prepared for the mud?”
What does it mean to forgive someone?
What does a good man look like?
How have you used the power entrusted to you to hurt the ones closest to you?
How have you seen other men hurt the people entrusted to their care?
Where is your strength needed? Where does your strength come from?
More info
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Edited and mixed by Grayson Foster
Logo and episode templates by Ian Johnston
Audio quotes performed by Britt Mooney, Paul McDonald, and Tim Willard, taken from Epic (written by John Eldredge) and Song of Albion (written by Stephen Lawhead).
Southerly Change performed by Zane Dickinson, used under license from Shutterstock.
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