The Mockery of Christ in the “Jesus Christ Superstar” Musical

By Rev. Tan Eng Boo

“And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand.

And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying,

‘Hail, King of the Jews!’” (Mat. 27:28–29)

Pictures of Jesus being mocked. Beginning of Via Dolorosa near Lion's Gate, Jerusalem.

From the moment of His arrest to His crucifixion, our Lord Jesus Christ endured relentless mockery. The Roman soldiers ridiculed Him (Luke 23:36). The religious leaders scorned Him (Luke 23:35). The crowds and passersby hurled insults (Matthew 27:39). Even Herod and his soldiers treated Him with contempt (Luke 23:11).

Tragically, such mockery did not end with His resurrection and ascension. It continues even today, though often in more subtle and culturally acceptable forms.

Jesus Christ Superstar

A live musical production of Jesus Christ Superstar is scheduled to be staged at the Marina Bay Sands Theatre in Singapore from 19 August to 6 September 2026. The musical portrays the final weeks of Jesus’ life, largely through the perspective of Judas Iscariot. Rather than presenting a faithful biblical account, it explores themes such as fame, power, loyalty, and betrayal through the medium of rock music.

It is important to note that this production is designed as entertainment, not as a biblically accurate retelling of the life of Christ. This raises serious concerns. When the life of our Saviour is presented without fidelity to Scripture, it risks distorting truth and diminishing His Deity. Such portrayals, however artistic, can become a form of mockery when they misrepresent who He truly is.

The emphasis on Judas Iscariot as a central interpretive lens is also troubling. The biblical record concerning Judas is limited to his role as treasurer, his presence at the Last Supper, and his betrayal of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. Any attempt to expand his role beyond Scripture often relies on speculative or non-canonical sources.

The Gospel of Judas

One such source is the Gospel of Judas, a second-century Gnostic text discovered in Egypt in the 1970s and published in 2006. This writing portrays Judas not as a betrayer, but as the most enlightened disciple, entrusted with secret knowledge.

However, this text was never accepted as part of the canon of Scripture. Early church leaders, including Irenaeus of Lyons around AD 180, firmly rejected it as heretical in his work Against Heresies. The Gospel of Judas is associated with Gnosticism and stands in clear contradiction to the teachings of the New Testament. It must therefore be rejected as unreliable and unbiblical.

How Should the Church Respond?

1.  Be Informed and Speak the Truth in Love

The church must first understand what is being presented in the musical, “Jesus Christ Superstar.” For example, Grammy award-winning British actress Cynthia Erivo, will become the first woman to play Jesus. Emma Gyasi said, “It isn’t blasphemous for Jesus to be played by a woman, it’s inclusive” (Emma Gyasi, 4 March 2025, Premierchristianity.com). This is a deliberate act to mock God. With discernment, we can respond thoughtfully and biblically. As Ephesians 4:15 reminds us, we are to “speak the truth in love.” Such situations can become opportunities to teach the true Gospel and clarify misconceptions about Christ. Let us point people back to the real Jesus portrayed in the Bible.

2.  Make a Clear Stand for Biblical Truth

It is appropriate for churches and Christian bodies to issue statements that affirm the truth of Scripture. Such declarations serve as a public witness and a record of our commitment to uphold the authority of God’s Word. Unity in standing for truth strengthens the testimony of the church. 

Statements have been issued by the National Council of Churches in Singapore (NCCS) and the Alliance of Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches of Singapore (APCCS). Billy Graham once described this musical as “bordering on blasphemy and sacrilege.” (Kate Orson, 4 March 2025, Premierchristianity.com)

3.  Abide in the Word of Christ

Our ultimate response must be rooted in a steadfast commitment to Scripture. Jesus said,

“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31–32).

A true disciple remains grounded in God’s Word and is not swayed by cultural distortions. 

We must not be afraid to stand firmly for the truth, for “your word is truth” (John 17:17).

Conclusion

Mockery of Christ may take different forms across generations, but the call of the church remains unchanged. We are to honour Him, uphold His truth, and proclaim His Gospel faithfully. In a world that often distorts and diminishes the person of Christ, may we remain steadfast, discerning, and courageous—always pointing others to the true and living Saviour.

John Calvin said:

“A dog barks when his master is attacked. I would be a coward if I saw that God’s truth is attacked and yet remain silent.”