PG
Disney/Pixar Films

Introduction

Imagine, if you can, a world where Super Heroes aren’t allowed to use their super powers. What would happen? Who would help others in times of trouble or distress?

“The Incredibles,” the latest animated film from Pixar, follows the life of former Super Heroes, or “Supers,” Bob and Helen Parr, as they attempt to adjust to a normal suburban family life. Due to excessive litigation against Supers, “it is time for their secret identity to become their only identity.” This is particularly difficult for Bob (formerly Mr. Incredible) because of his continued desire to fight the forces of evil. Helen (formerly Elastigirl) struggles to remind Bob that every time he blows his cover, the family’s safety is compromised. The young Incredibles, Dash and Violet, also have super powers, but are implored to keep them hidden.

Through a variety of plot twists and turns, the family discovers their true strength lies within their ability to work together and trust each other. They also help each other realize how special their gifts are. The film has fantastic action sequences, subtle humor, and engaging dialogue that should appeal to young people of all ages.

The Incredibles movie guide can be modified to talk about the temptation of Christ (Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13). Include in your discussion:

• What super powers you'd like to have and how you would use them.
• What "super powers" did Jesus have being both fully God and human?
• How did the devil tempt Jesus to use his powers for personal gain? What did Jesus accomplish by resisting? What would have happened if Jesus gave in and used his powers for his own benefit? If you were in Jesus' shoes (sandals), what would you have done in the wilderness under pressure?
• How did Jesus use his powers during his ministry on earth to help and reach others? There must be a lesson in this for us... what is it?

Contributed by Beth in Maryland.

Verses to focus on

Share some of these verses with the group prior to viewing the movie:

• Romans 11:29 (gifts of God)
• 1 Corinthians 2:12 (gifts of God or the world?)
• 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (spiritual gifts)
• 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 (one body; many members)

After viewing the movie, ask:

• What powers would you choose to have if you were a super hero? How would you use them?

Discussion questions

• Why were Super Heroes required to stop using their super powers?
• What does the world think of the special gifts the Supers have?
• Do you ever feel that your efforts to do what’s right aren’t appreciated? Why?

The line, “When everyone is special, no one will be” is spoken by both Dash and Syndrome.

• Do you think that’s true? Why or why not?
• When’s the last time you felt that you didn’t have any special gifts or abilities? Why did you feel that way? Who makes you feel that way?
• What does 1 Corinthians 12:6 say about people receiving gifts from God?

Recall the scene where Mr. Incredible is going off to fight Syndrome and tells his family to wait in the van. When Elastigirl gets upset with him for saying this, he tells her “I can’t lose you again!” She replies by saying, “If we work together, you won’t have to.”

• How does this situation apply to 1 Corinthians 12:12-31?
• How can you partner with others in your life to make a positive difference? To strengthen each others’ faith?
• How did the Incredibles use their gifts to help others?
• How can you use the gifts God has given you to help others?
• Think of a concrete way that you can use your gifts to help someone this week. What will it be?

The movie ends with Dash going out for track, but not doing his best.

• Do you think this was the right thing for him to do? Why or why not?
• What is the difference between using your gifts fully and being boastful? How can you rejoice in the gifts God has given you while still being humble?
•  How do you balance using your gifts and potential and affirming and using the gifts of others?

Activity suggestion

Being the hands and feet of God

1. Set out sheets of 8” x 14” construction paper in various colors. Make sure there's enough paper for each person to receive two sheets of paper. Each person will also need a pen or marker and a pair of scissors.
2. Ask each person to trace their hand on one sheet of paper and trace their foot on the other. Then, cut out the traced hand and foot.
3. Remind the group that, based on the discussion, we are called to use our gifts to help others. Sometimes people call this “acting as the hands and feet of God.”
4. Ask each person to think of two gifts that God has given them. Write one gift on the foot and the other gift on the hand.
5. On the back sides of the papers, ask participants to write down a way they can use that particular gift to be the “hands and feet of God.”
6. If your group meets in a regular space (like a youth room), try hanging the hands and feet from the ceiling using some tape, a paper clip, or piece of string. This can provide a colorful reminder of how we are called to use our gifts in service others.

Closing prayer

God of grace, thank you for blessing each of us with unique and varied gifts. We ask you to give us the courage to share these gifts with others. Help us to be humble, not boastful, as we proclaim your Good News to a world in need. Amen