By: yesHEis
You’ve got a friend. You care about them. And at some point, you’ve probably wondered:
“How do I talk about Jesus in a way that actually makes sense to them?
“They didn’t grow up going to church.”
“They’re not super interested in religion.”
But you still want to share your faith in a way that feels real, not weird.
You’re not alone. A lot of us feel stuck here. We want to talk about Jesus, but we don’t want it to come across as forced, out of place, or like we’re delivering a lecture. So here’s a thought: instead of starting with theology, start with what they already know.
Movies. Music. TikTok. Video games. Stories they love.
These things can actually help you talk about Jesus in ways that feel natural and meaningful. Pop Culture Isn’t a Barrier — It’s a Bridge Most people today are way more familiar with the Marvel universe than with the Gospel of John. But that doesn’t mean you can’t talk about Jesus. It just means you might need to start somewhere else.
Pop culture is full of the kind of themes Jesus talked about: sacrifice, redemption, love, purpose, identity. When you make those connections, it opens the door to conversations that go deeper. Here are a few examples.
Start Where You’re Already Connected
The Chronicles of Narnia: When Aslan gives his life to save Edmund, it’s not just a powerful moment. It’s also a reflection of how Jesus gave His life for us. That story might already be familiar to your friend—and it could be the perfect way to introduce who Jesus really is.
The Legend of Zelda: In the game, Link risks everything to bring peace to a broken world. Sounds a lot like Jesus, right? He stepped into a broken world, faced evil head-on, and did what no one else could to bring hope and restoration.
Music: Take a song like “All of Me” by John Legend. It’s not just about romance. It taps into something we all want—real, unconditional love. That kind of love points to something deeper. It’s the kind of love God offers, and it can be a great starting point for a conversation about what love really means.
Four Ways to Connect Pop Culture with the Story of Jesus
1. Find Common Interests
Start with what they’re into—movies, books, games, music. Most of those stories carry deeper themes. Ask about what they love and why. Let that guide you into more meaningful territory.
Try saying:
“What kind of movies do you like?”
“Who’s your favourite artist right now?”
“You play that game a lot—what do you like about it?”
2. Draw Parallels
Once the conversation’s going, you can make some simple connections.
“You know how in Clash of Clans, you’re always building up defences to protect your base? It kind of reminds me of how people try to protect themselves in real life too. That’s something Jesus really speaks into for me—how I don’t need to do life alone or constantly be on guard.”
“Have you noticed how people on TikTok are always chasing likes and validation? I think we all want to be seen and accepted. I’ve found that in God—real love that doesn’t change depending on how I perform.”
“There’s that line in Blinding Lights—‘I’m running out of time’—and it makes me think of how often we chase stuff that never really satisfies. I used to do that too, but faith gave me something that lasts.”
3. Start with a Story
Sometimes it helps to start with something they already know well, like Star Wars.
“You know how Anakin is supposed to bring balance to the Force? That whole idea of a ‘chosen one’ reminds me of Jesus. He came to bring peace too—but not just between people, between us and God.”
“Think about Darth Vader. No matter how far gone he seemed, Luke still believed he could be redeemed. That’s exactly how I see what Jesus does with us.”
4. Encourage Curiosity
You don’t have to push a message—sometimes the best thing you can do is ask a good question.
“Why do you think we’re so drawn to stories about sacrifice?”
“Have you ever noticed how many songs are about being loved, fully known, or accepted? I think that says something about what we’re all longing for.”
These questions don’t pressure anyone. They just open space for a real conversation. And that’s where faith can start to take root. You Don’t Need a Sermon—Just a Starting Point
Using something your friend already cares about—music, movies, stories, trends—can be one of the most natural ways to begin a conversation about Jesus. You’re not changing the message. You’re just finding a better place to begin. You already know Jesus brings life, hope, and love. What if the story your friend’s been watching or listening to is actually preparing them to hear His?
So next time you’re chatting about your favourite series or what’s trending, listen closely. You might just find your opening. And when you do, go for it.
Article supplied with thanks to The Journey by yesHEis.
About the Author: yesHEis provides various resources to help share your faith in relatable ways.
Feature image: Canva
