The Empire Strikes Back: 45 Years

It was May 1980—three years since George Lucas first took us to a galaxy far, far away. The anticipated sequel to Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, was released, and it was one of the epic films of the original trilogy.

The movie introduced us to Yoda, Lando, Emperor Palpatine, and Boba Fett. It even gave a depth that would set the stage for its anticipated sequel, Return of the Jedi.

As the film turns 45 years old, the film has many thought-provoking and entertaining scenes. It even included the iconic line from Darth Vader during the climactic lightsaber duel that concludes with an iconic plot twist.

Like many of the Star Wars films, it does have elements of faith to put under the scope. There is also an allegorical connection between Yoda and Jesus.

Yoda as a Christ figure

After escaping death twice, Luke Skywalker is instructed to seek Yoda, a Jedi Master. Luke flies in his X-Wing to Dagobah, a swamp-like planet with creatures. Yoda would train Luke to harness his powers of the Force to become a Jedi.

Luke would dwell in Yoda’s hut. He was eager to meet Yoda, yet he didn’t know that he was in his midst. Yoda would communicate with Obi-Wan, another former Jedi and General from the Clone Wars, killed in the previous film by Vader. Yoda believes that Luke is not ready. Yet, Luke is eager to continue training despite the pending fear that was to come.

During the training, Luke’s thoughts dwelt on his friends who were about to walk into danger in Cloud City, as he wanted to save them. Amid the distraction, Luke’s X-Wing Fighter sinks into the swampy lagoon. As Luke attempts to use the force, he gives up.

Moments later, Yoda showed Luke the power of the Force, which is equivalent to faith. Yoda uses the force to bring a sunken X-Wing out of the water to Luke. He was amazed at what this Jedi Master did. Luke failed because he didn’t believe. When we don’t trust in Christ, we fail to believe.

Yoda is seen as a Christ figure. Jesus had apostles and disciples who yearned to learn about the Kingdom of God. There were bumps on the road, but they kept following and learning from him.

Luke as Us

Luke can be compared to Peter. Peter has often fallen from faith, but it would challenge him to become a better apostle. One example is when Peter almost drowned when he walked towards Jesus during a storm, the moment he got distracted by the intense storm.

Often, we can lack faith when the world demands so much from us. It is tempting to take our eyes off Jesus and sink. Yet, when we place our identity in Christ, he can restore our faith. Faith takes trust, and without placing our trust in Christ, faith is absent.

The Empire Strikes Back lived up to its prequel. It is a 4.8 out of 5.