Even though Obi-Wan sacrificed himself to save Luke and company in A New Hope, he appears to Luke several times in Empire Strikes Back.
Obi-Wan returned as a Force vision and also as a Force voice so he can instruct Luke and ensure that Luke receives the Jedi training he needs.
The quotes below can also provide training for us on how to share the Gospel.
- Obi-Wan: Luke…Luke.
While Luke is literally freezing to death, Obi-Wan calls out to Luke personally and directly.
One of the best ways to share the Gospel is to do it one on one, personally. - Obi-Wan: You will go to the Dagobah system.
Obi-Wan instructions Luke on his next steps to take.
When we share the Gospel, we need to state what the person needs to do next clearly. And what is that? They need to admit to God that they are a sinner, believe in their heart that Jesus is the Messiah, and confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord. - Obi-Wan: There, you will learn from Yoda, the Jedi Master who instructed me.
Obi-Wan tells Luke that Luke will need to learn from someone strong in the Force.
With a new believer/disciple, we need to get them connected with fellow believers. The best way is to find a local gathering, aka a church. - Obi-Wan: Even Yoda cannot see their fate.
When Luke decides to leave his training to “save” Han and Leia, Obi-Wan tells him that even as wise as Yoda is, he doesn’t know everything.
We need to be honest that we don’t have all the answers to theological, moral, and/or philosophical questions. - Obi-Wan: But you cannot control it. This is a dangerous time for you when you will be tempted by the dark side of the Force.
Luke had just claimed that he feels the Force but Obi-Wan admonishes him.
As a new believer begins to learn about Jesus, God the Father, and God the Spirit, we need to warn them to be patient and humble. They are like the soil from the parable of the sower of seed mentioned in Matthew 13: 4–9 and Matthew 13:18–23. - Obi-Wan: Luke, don’t give in to hate — that leads to the dark side.
Luke was heading off to a fight. Obi-Wan warned him about being filled with hate.
We, as believers, are to hate sin but NOT the sinner. Far too often, Christians are known for what we are against and not for the love of Jesus in our lives. We need to find a balance between fighting against immorality and loving our neighbors.
Obi-Wan also had some great one-liners and comebacks to Yoda.
- Obi-Wan: He will learn patience.
- Obi-Wan: Was I any different when you taught me?
- Obi-Wan: So was I, if you’ll remember.
- Obi-Wan: You don’t know that.
- Obi-Wan: It is you and your abilities the Emperor wants. That is why your friends are made to suffer.
- Obi-Wan: Luke, I don’t want to lose you to the Emperor the way I lost Vader.
- Obi-Wan: Patience.
- Obi-Wan: If you choose to face Vader, you will do it alone. I cannot interfere.
- Obi-Wan: That boy is our last hope.
