Elliot had a terrible life. His dad abandoned the family for a tropical destination with a floozy. Elliot’s older brother tormented him frequently and without mercy. Elliot needed a friend. Fortunately there was a frumpy, long-necked alien with bulbous eyes headed to Earth. E.T. gave Elliot a Christ-like encounter, but it was far from perfect.
Left Behind, Not Sent
A group of aliens were on a nature walk, picking berries and enjoying the trails when a gang of random rednecks chased the spaceship away. Whoops! We left E.T. back there! The aliens had no intention of leaving an ambassador on Earth to help Elliot or anybody. It was a mistake.
God had a plan. Jesus was sent to save us.
1 John 4:9 (NLT)
God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.
Humble Beginnings
Abandoned on Earth, E.T. was left to wander around until he stumbled into Elliot’s toolshed. It wasn’t the Ritz-Carlton, but it would have to do. Christ had humble beginnings too.
Luke 2:12 (NIV)
You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
Lost Connection
With the touch of a finger, E.T. connected with Elliot. Their senses were linked. One scene showed Elliot at school inebriated while E.T. was at home drinking beers. There is a similar bond between Christ and His people too. On the cross, Christ secured a divine exchange for our benefit.
Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Here’s where the connection goes wrong in the movie. E.T. almost died, which took Elliot to the brink of death too.
E.T. had to release Elliot from their soul-bond to keep Elliot alive. With Christ the opposite is true: Our soul’s connection with Him gives us life.
John 15:4 (NLT)
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
Aliens Just Don’t Get It
Elliot and E.T. formed a wonderful friendship, but E.T. can’t relate to Elliot’s life. The sorrow Elliot felt; the pain of an absent father – did E.T. understand? There was no indication E.T. comprehended the needs of the people around him. The midget alien simply waddled around levitating objects and eating candy.
Almighty God gained a wonderful advantage by walking Earth as a man. He knows what it is to be human.
John 1:14 (NIV)
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
Gone for Good
It was fun while it lasted, but all good things come to an end. E.T.’s been “phoning home” and it was time to go there … at least the phone bill wouldn’t be so expensive anymore. Elliot was sad though; his friend was gone and wouldn’t come back.
Christians do not have this sadness, but rather an expectant hope of Christ’s return. Jesus is coming back for us!
Hebrews 9:28 (ESV)
So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.
The Sullivan Spin 