Is Satoru from Erased the best Jesus metaphor ever? [Free]
A Bible Study on the anime Erased
Not sure where to get started? Find our 101 Guide to using our curriculum here.
Opening Prayer
Begin with a prayer that sets the tone for the study, asking for openness and understanding as participants delve into the themes of light, darkness, and the Holy Spirit's guidance.
Sample Prayer:
God, thank You for being the one who never stops pursuing us. Open our hearts today as we explore Your love through the story of Jesus and the anime Erased. Help us to see how deeply we are loved and how You work through all things to bring us closer to You. Amen.
Prep Questions
Have you ever felt like someone was looking out for you when you didn’t even realize it?
What do you think it means when people say “God is pursuing you”?
Have you watched the anime Erased or heard of it before?
Link to Video
Shortened Transcript
In Erased, Satoru has a mysterious ability called “Revival” that sends him back in time to prevent disasters. When his mother is murdered, he’s thrown back 18 years to his childhood to solve a series of kidnappings and change the future. It’s trial-and-error, full of confusion, and deeply emotional.
The sermon draws a parallel between Satoru’s relentless efforts to save others and Jesus’ mission in John 3:16–17. Jesus doesn’t come to condemn—He comes to rescue. Like Satoru, Jesus is misunderstood, determined, and compassionate. He sees what others can’t and acts anyway. Even if we don’t get it. Even if we’re like Nicodemus, confused and hesitant. Or like Kayo, just hoping someone will care enough to reach out.
Guided Questions
What new insights do you notice when reading John 3:10–18 as a full conversation?
How does Jesus’ reference to Moses’ bronze serpent help explain His mission?
In what ways does Satoru’s time-travel struggle mirror the Gospel story?
What does “pursuing love” look like in real life—what are its risks and costs?
How does your view of Jesus shift when you think of Him as someone who “won’t stop trying”?
Activity
Time Rewind Reflection
Hand out “Rewind Cards.” Have each person write to their younger self from the perspective of Jesus. Focus on comfort, presence, and hope—not guilt or regret.
Prompts:
“You didn’t see it, but I was with you when…”
“Even then, you were never alone…”
“Here’s what I want you to know about that moment…”
Invite sharing (if comfortable), or close with prayer over the written responses.
After Questions
How did that reflection affect your view of your own past?
What would change if you trusted Jesus to see your future?
Who around you might need that kind of pursuing love?
Spiritual Practice
Lectio Divina (John 3:16–17)
Read the passage aloud once: listen.
Read again: highlight a word/phrase that stirs something.
Read a third time: reflect—Why did that phrase stand out? What might God be saying?
Closing Prayer
Conclude with a prayer that acknowledges the Holy Spirit's presence and asks for continued guidance and protection in the journey of faith.
Sample Prayer:
Lord, You didn’t come to condemn us, but to save us. You see what we don’t. You walk into our mess again and again, just to reach us. Help us trust You. Help us believe You’re still writing better endings. Give us eyes to see and hearts to follow. Amen.
Notes From The Nerd Pastor:
If you’ve ever wondered if God is tired of trying with you—this one’s for you. Erased isn’t just a story about time travel; it’s a story about relentless pursuit. Satoru doesn’t have to keep trying. He could give up. He doesn’t. He knows the stakes. He knows the pain. And he presses on anyway.
That sounds a lot like the Jesus I believe in.
When Jesus talks with Nicodemus, He’s not just unpacking theology—He’s inviting a scholar to start seeing the world with new eyes. Jesus doesn’t give up when Nicodemus doesn’t understand. He teaches. He illustrates. He invites. And then He drops the bombshell: “God so loved the world...” Not condemned. Loved.
Jesus is the ultimate time-traveler—not in the sci-fi sense, but in the redemptive one. He stepped into time to rewrite our ending. To change the outcome. To be lifted up like the serpent in the wilderness—not to shame us, but to heal us.
Like Satoru, Jesus keeps showing up for the hurting, for the ignored, for the lost. The point of this story isn’t that you need to be the hero—it’s that Someone already is. And He knows exactly what it takes to save you.
So maybe you’re not Satoru. Maybe you’re Kayo. And that’s okay. Because Jesus sees you. Jesus knows what you’ve been through. And Jesus is reaching out His hand.
Resource Notes:
Find basic information about Erased on the wiki.
Helpful Nerd Terms:
Revival – Satoru’s time travel ability that rewinds time to prevent tragedy.
Kayo Hinazuki – A quiet, abused classmate; the key to solving the mystery.
1988 Flashback – The pivotal year Satoru returns to as a child to stop a serial abduction case.
The Kidnapper – The antagonist hiding in plain sight. Represents unseen evil.
Satoru’s Mom – A brave, intelligent woman whose death sparks the time reversal.
Subreddit Lurking – A fun nod to the community of fans obsessed with the story’s layers.
Fan Fiction/DnD – The nerd pastor’s way of showing love by reimagining the story himself.
Theological Themes:
Relentless Love (John 3:16–17), Rescue Over Condemnation, Spiritual Confusion & Patience (Nicodemus), Christ as Healer (Numbers 21), Jesus as the Final Covenant, God’s Pursuit Through Time, Discipleship & Trust, The Cost of Salvation, Hope for the Abused & Forgotten, Identity in Christ, Grace That Tries Again, Empathy Over Explanation, Seeing the Gospel in Pop Culture, Redemption Arcs, Christ’s Omniscience & Time (Theological Speculation)
Other questions? Ask in the comments below!