Breaking the Fourth Wall

Jesus folds our story into His story

Photo courtesy of Donald Tong via Pexels

There’s a performance technique in theater known as breaking the fourth wall. It happens when a character acknowledges the presence of the audience. Three walls might be shown onstage, while the “fourth wall” is invisible, allowing the audience to observe the scene. When characters break that wall, it’s as if they’re inviting the audience into the story.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus does something similar. He breaks the fourth wall – beckoning us to lean in, signaling that we are part of the story:

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believe.” It’s as though Jesus turns from Thomas and looks directly at us. His gaze isn’t meant to accuse, but to comfort. He includes us in the blessing. And this isn’t the only time Scripture reaches across time to speak directly to us.

In Mark 13, Peter, James, John and Andrew ask Jesus when the Temple will be destroyed. Jesus responds with a long discourse about the signs of His return. Then, as if shifting His focus from the disciples to all future followers, He says: “And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”

Moments like these are like Easter eggs – small gifts hidden for the careful observer. They remind us that our lives are folded into God's grand narrative. On Easter, especially, we give thanks that through His death and resurrection, Jesus broke down the dividing wall of hostility, reconciling us to God.

Of course, all of Scripture is for us. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)

So whether or not a passage explicitly breaks the fourth wall, we are always invited through it into a relationship with Christ. He comes to stand in the very rooms we occupy. He invites us, just as He invited Thomas: “Do not disbelieve, but believe.”

And may we respond with the same awe and devotion as our brother did:

“My Lord and my God!”

Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.