If you’re a LOSTaholic like me, you will be familiar with this clip from a recent episode of the show. But whether you’ve seen LOST or not, this scene packs a real emotional punch. (If you don’t know much about the show, here’s some background information so that you’ll be able to get a better handle on things):
The Island: A mysterious, supernatural place, where the characters are currently stranded.
Locke: A devilish figure, mysteriously bound to the Island, who is attempting to escape with some devoted followers.
Ben: A Machiavellian, murderous, deceitful man who for years ruled the island under Jacob and sought to protect his power at the expense of his own family. He eventually stabbed Jacob to death.
Jacob: The god-like ruler of the Island who was savagely murdered by Ben.
Iliana (woman with the gun): Jacob’s body-guard and adopted daughter who captured Ben and plans to execute him.
Dr. Linus Ending from Brady Herbert on Vimeo.
When I first saw this scene from Lost, I cried. Behind those tears, two things were going on inside of me: 1. an unhealthy attachment to this show and 2. the realization that this scene was a brilliant portrayal of the most penetrating truths of Christianity (the human plight, a heart-borne turn to truth, and a risky absolution).
THE PLIGHT.
The maniacal Ben Linus is finally getting what he deserves. He killed his father along with countless others, allowed his own daughter to be murdered, mistreated and lied to all of those who served under him, and worst of all, he killed Jacob (the ‘god’ of the Island)…all to maintain his own power. And now, this disheveled, defeated leader is forced at gun-point by Jacob’s adopted daughter to dig his own grave. Ben is cornered by his own crimes, without hope of escaping severe justice.
THE TURN. Given the opportunity by the devilish Locke to regain his former power, Ben does something rather surprising given his character; he rejects the power-grab and confesses the truth about himself. He explains and apologizes to his captor for his actions and his motives. But more than that, he realizes. He comes to grips with the sort of man he is: a calculating, murderous, power-hungry victimizer. He admits, movingly, “I was terrified that I was about to lose the only thing that ever mattered to me: my power.” The powerful becomes the powerless, forced by bitter circumstances to see himself rightly. Ben knows that he does not warrant mercy. He acknowledges that his remaining utility would be used only for evil.
THE ABSOLUTION. Ben’s repentance is surprising; Iliana’s uncalculated mercy is stunning. The woman who has been so deeply wounded by this offender offers him dis-merited clemency, dignity, and inclusion. She interrupts his downward spiral with altering words of grace: “I’ll have you.” Ben receives a visible shock to the system from her gratuitous mercy, and for the first time in show, he is left stunned and speechless, unable to fathom the gift that he’d just been given. And what a risky gift, this absolution! The most dangerous man on the island was acquitted and set free.
This scene affected me deeply because it spoke penetrating truth about my life. After all, I am that guilty man digging my own grave, justly paying for crimes against my victims and for rejecting the God who came to save me. I am the one who is crushed by life’s circumstances and forced by them to admit my deep-seated hunger for power and control. And I am the one who has been shown risky absolution by the sacrificial God of the Cross. And I am the one who is left standing there, stunned, bewildered, confused, salvaged, sheltered, and born again.
COMMENTS
6 responses to “The Gospel According To LOST”
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Such a great post! Ben's journey has been one of the most interesting ones of the series. I wonder if it "sticks".
i love when i see redemption. Ben's story is a story of great sin, but love conquers a multitude of sin. I cannot wait to see what happens in the end.
I just love the risky grace in this scene. I mean, Iliana leaves Ben with his gun, turns her back on him, and gives him a perfect opportunity to do what he does best (kill!). But Ben doesn't. He puts the gun down in order to help someone with a menial task. He forfits power. And yet it is still a risk. Ben could still turn at any moment. But 'love constrains to obedience' in a way that threats and judgment never can. Who knows? We'll see 🙂
I have always identified with the character of Ben Linus. I'm drawn to him I think because he is easily labeled as the bad guy.. the one to shake your head at. Yet he is also the most vulnerable and in this scene needs grace the most. He took the only thing Iliana lived for, and she saw his filth, and then loved him.
What can I say? I'm a sucker for those redemptive moments. This is one of the best in the show thus far. It's especially moving if you've followed Ben's character for the past few years. You really get to see the kind of man he is, and what this redemption is worth.
I was speechless when it first aired and I'm still speechless now. Great clip!