What examples do you know of people who have overcome their past failures to achieve something great? Have you ever overcome anything difficult in your life? What did that feel like?
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Opening questions:
What examples do you know of people who have overcome their past failures to achieve something great?
Have you ever overcome anything difficult in your life? What did that feel like?
The film “The Lion King” is the story of a lion cub, Simba, and his coming-of-age journey to become king of the pride. Simba starts life with very selfish ambitions to be king, but he finds himself exiled and alone after his treacherous uncle kills his father, Mufasa. As Simba grows up, he learns that his father will always be there for him, to overcome his guilt and shame about the past, and to lead his pride like Mufasa.
Consider the following facts about the film:
l The film grossed $783 million dollars worldwide since 1994.
l It is the best selling non-CGI animated feature film of all time.
l The film inspired a musical, which is celebrating 10 years on Broadway.
The Lion King story borrows powerful truths from God’s word. In the same way Simba grew and became the leader of the pride lands, we too must grow and become more like Jesus everyday. During this journey, we will encounter failures and challenges that will cause us to falter, but with God’s help, we can keep going. The Bible encourages us to keep our eyes on Jesus, to reflect Him in our lives, and always remember our first love. Let's look at some clips from the film to illustrate these points and compare them with some passages:
1. Fix our eyes on Jesus
Play DVD clip – Chapter 7 to 0:26:06
Why did Mufasa tell Simba about his ancestors and that he would “always be there”?
Hebrews 12:1-3
Jesus was already in heaven before the book of Hebrews was written, so what did the writer mean when he said to “fix our eyes on Jesus”?
What things do we fix our eyes on instead of Christ?
What are some practical ways and habits we can develop to keep Jesus before us daily?
Gal 6:26-27
Why does the Bible remind us that we are “clothed with Christ”?
2. Our lives reflect God’s glory
Play DVD clip – Chapter 19 to 1:07:03
Why does Simba need Rafiki to see the reflection of his father?
2 Corinthians 3:16-18
There are many people reflecting other things in their lives besides the Lord’s glory.
What kinds of reflections do you see in people’s lives that you have come in contact with?
How does God transform our lives into his likeness? What tools does his use?
Proverbs 27:19
How can God use others in our lives to “improve our reflection”?
3. We must never forget our first love
Play DVD clip – 1:07:03 to 1:09:16
Why does Mufasa tell Simba to remember him rather than tell him what to do?
Revelation 2:1-7
Jesus talks about the good things that the church at
Before we discuss this passage, what was your first love like?
What traps do Christians fall into and forsake Christ as their first love?
What are some ways we can show God that He is our hearts desire?
Conclusion:
The Lion King illustrates how we must fix our eyes on Jesus, reflect his glory in our lives, and how we must not forsake Jesus who is our first love. By doing these things, we will flee the other “Lyin’” King, Satan, and glorify the Lion of Judah.
Dan Lafever