Dune: The Chosen One and the Danger of Messianic Expectation (Matthew 16:13-20)

In Denis Villeneuve's Dune, Paul Atreides resists being called the Lisan al-Gaib—the prophesied messiah. He sees how messianic expectations are manufactured and manipulated for political ends. When Jesus asks "Who do you say that I am?" Peter answers correctly: "The Christ." But Jesus immediately warns them to tell no one, knowing how messianic expectation could be weaponized. Paul Atreides becomes what the Fremen expect, with catastrophic consequences. Jesus became what Israel needed—not a political liberator but a suffering servant. Dune warns against false messiahs; the Gospels reveal the true one, who came not to be served but to serve.