10 Things Disney can Teach us About Jesus

I don't think this post warrants much introduction, so without further adieu...


1. Woody's Boot 
In the movie Toy Story one of the main Characters 'Woody', the toy cowboy has his owner's name written on the bottom of his boot. The name 'Andy' reminds Woody that even when he is lost, even when he is taken away from Andy, even when someone else tries to cover it up, that permanently written name is still there and proves his ownership to Andy who loves him.
Jesus wrote his name on our hearts when we asked Him to come in to our lives. No matter what we do; if we run, if we try to cover it up, if we try to wipe it off, Jesus has marked us. He reminds us that we belong to Him and that He loves us enough to claim us as His children. Sometimes we get lost in the world and forget our mark but somehow Jesus always finds us again and brings us back to Him.

I thank God that my 'Soul' is marked with the name 'Jesus'.

John 1:12New International Version (NIV)

12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—

2. Lilo's Perseverance
In the movie 'Lilo and Stitch', Stitch,the terrible alien, crashes on Earth and is discovered and loved by the native Hawaiian girl Lilo. Stitch is designed and programed to be destructive and designed to have no purpose in the world. Lilo, however, having such a pure childlike faith, is determined to make Stitch good.
We all need a Lilo in our life. Someone who invests in us and helps us grow in our faith, someone who disciples us. We also all need a Stitch in our life. Someone we can disciple and help grow. We are all called by God to be disciples disciplining others.

Hebrews 10:24-25New International Version (NIV)

24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

3. The Hatter's Madness
As bizarre as this is, the Mad Hatter in Disney's 'Alice in Wonderland' makes a profound statement to Alice's question: "Have I gone quite mad?" He replies "You're entirely bonkers, but I'll tell you a secret. All the best people are." Everyone is going through crazy stuff. Life is full of challenges, and overwhelming situations. To assume the church is an exclusive paradise of perfect people is false. The Hatter says it best, "We're all mad here!" Let's do a little less judging and a whole lot more loving because everyone is dealing with craziness in their life.

1 John 4:8New International Version (NIV)

8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

4. The Bare Necessities 

This one hits right at home for me. I am certainly guilty of forgetting my bare necessities such as being in the word everyday and praying. I let my ministries override the very base of my faith. If I'm not practicing in the necessities then everything else is going to be strained. It's important not to forget our foundation for growth. 

2 Timothy 3:16-17New International Version (NIV)

16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

5. Marlin's Love 

In Pixar's 'Finding Nemo' we see a perfect example of the distance a father would take to go after his lost son. Jesus is depicted as a shepherd in Scripture when he leaves the 99 to go after the one lost sheep. Likewise Marlin goes all the way to Sydney, Australia to find his lost son and encounters great difficulties in doing so. Same as our heavenly father who goes after the lost with endurance. 

Luke 15: 6,7

‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

6. Cinderella's Glass Slipper 

When Prince Charming ordered the hunt for the owner of the glass slipper, he searched all over the kingdom. He was determined to find his heart's desire. Many of us can remember a time when we searched all over for something to fill the big hole in our heart. When we finally found Jesus that hole was no longer there, but we were filled with His fullness and given true joy. Like Cinderella' slipper that fit just right, Jesus is that wholeness that gives us true life. 

Colossians 2:10New International Version (NIV)

10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.

7. The Genie's Wishes 

I'm sure you have heard this before, but it is always a good reminder: "God is not a magic genie". We shouldn't only turn to God when we want something. Treating God like a wish granter rather than a heavenly father and great king is essentially selfishness. 

Psalm 29:2King James Version (KJV)

2 Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

8. Mufasa's Spirit 

Mufasa reminds Simba that even when he feels alone that he is watching over him and is in his heart. Jesus operates the same. When we feel alone and afraid, we must remember that Jesus is in our hearts and goes with us and watches over us. He will never leave us or abandon us. Even if we can't see Him, He is here. 

Psalm 121:5-8New International Version (NIV)

5 The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—
    he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.

9. The Incredibles's Talents 
Everyone has their own gifts and talents that can be used to bless others and glorify God. Each member has a unique superpower that they develop and use to contribute to their family's team effort. The Incredibles beat their enemies and saved each other from harm by functioning as a team. As a church team we need all the superpowers not just the visible ones. Everyone plays a part in helping the church grow, from the lead pastor to the custodian.

1 Corinthians 12: 4-6 (NIV)

4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

10. Peter Pan's Belief

When teaching Wendy and her siblings to fly Peter Pan gives an inspirational quote "The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it. For to have faith is to have wings." Sometimes it is difficult to jump and trust Jesus to help us fly. We lose faith in our doubt, we lose faith that Jesus can do what he says. Trusting God and having faith in Him will help us soar to new heights, if only we just believe. If you're having trouble dealing with the doubt, do like Peter says and "Think happy thoughts." If you think about how Jesus will lead you and go before you, you will begin to know it in your heart that He will. 

Philippians 4:8King James Version (KJV)

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

What Disney characters teach you about Jesus? Comment and Share!