Spider-Man
Over View: "This story is all about a girl..." or so says the film's narrator. Don't believe a word of it. The story of Spider-Man is all about Spidey and it's a good thing too. It makes for a thoroughly enjoyable, popcorn-injesting, CGI-enhanced movie-going experience as the Marvel Comics' web-slinging super hero comes to life before our eyes. I'm rather pleased to say that in something of a Hollywood anomaly, this movie may actually live up to all of its hyphenated hype.
The story is perhaps familiar to everyone. Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire), weak and nerdy high school student, is bitten by a genetically engineered spider during a routine science class field trip. No big whup. Except that the next morning, Peter discovers that he no longer needs his glasses, his abs are absolutely "ripped," and what's more, he is able to climb up the sides of buildings with spider ease.
His excitement over his new found abilities are somewhat tempered as he remembers the words spoken by his Uncle Ben: "With great power comes great responsibility." Poor and irresponsible teenage choices early on lead to tragic consequences, which serve to bring added meaning to Uncle Ben's words.
It is not long after Peter accepts the civic responsibility which is now uniquely his, that an arch enemy appears on the scene. The Green Goblin, with his motorized glider (kind of like a flying boogie board) is the result of a scientific experiment gone horribly bad. In an attempt to salvage a disappearing government grant, scientist Norman Osborne injects himself with his performance enhancement serum. He obtains superhuman strength and intelligence. He's also gone quite mad, evidenced by the bizarre costume he chooses to wear.
Unable to defeat the do-gooder Spider-Man physically, The Green Goblin looks to beat him psychologically by attacking those close to him. That, of course, would include his Aunt May and the love of Peter's life, Mary Jane.
Any way, Uncle Ben's words of wisdom ring exceedingly true. Great power does indeed come with great responsibility. God happens to put it a different way. He says:
"Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it." Proverbs 3:27 (KJV)
As believers, we know that the power of Christ resides within us. We live in a world where that power (and the peace that it brings) is needed more than ever. Every day, we will meet people who have genuine spiritual need in their lives. Every day, we will be granted opportunities to act in love, demonstrating God's goodness and strength to a world hungering for His presence. It is our privilege to serve as His ambassadors. More than a privilege actually... it is our responsibility.
Theme: We need to plan for our futures in a spirit of humility, acknowledging that God has his own plans for our lives.
Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11-13
Jer 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jer 29:12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.
Jer 29:13 You will seek me and find me; when you seek me with all your heart,
God Point: Mary Jane asks Peter about his post-graduation plans. He wants to move into the city, attend college, and possibly become a photographer. Mary Jane confesses her dream of acting. Peter encourages her, expressing hope in their uncertain futures.
College is only the tip of the "future plans" iceberg, which includes everything from life goals to next-day expectations. What's the proper balance between making "definite" plans and trusting God, moving forward in faith and waiting patiently for God's direction? Help your teenagers find a center-point of peace for confronting their futures.
Discussion Questions:
What's your biggest concern about the future, and how much stress does it cause you?
What aspects of the situation are outside your control? within your control?
What role does God play in your plans for the future?
Read aloud Jeremiah 29:11-13. How do you think we can find the right balance between putting our own plans into motion and seeking God's plan for us?
Do you think God's plan for us includes every aspect of our lives or just some things?
How might your future plans differ from God's plans for you?
Do you feel confident that you'll be able to discern God's plan for you as you make choices about your future? Why or why not? If you have uncertainties, how will you move forward in faith?
Theme: We have a responsibility to make Christ-like choices.
Scripture: Joshua 24:14-15
Jos 24:14 "Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River, and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.
Jos 24:15 And if you be unwilling to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
God Point: Uncle Ben questions Peter's recent behavior, telling him that the choices he makes now will determine the type of man he'll become for the rest of his life. Ben explains that with great power comes great responsibility, but Peter responds by blowing Ben off.
We want desperately to believe that choices can be made in a vacuum, affecting no one but ourselves. That's not true. Not only do choices have a lifetime affect on the person who makes them, but every choice also sets off a ripple effect. As Christians, we have a great responsibility to use our power in Christ to make wise choices.
Discussion Questions:
Do you believe your choices today determine who you'll become? Why or why not?
What "power" do Christians have, and what responsibility does this give us regarding our choices?
Read aloud Joshua 24:14-15. Does your decision to serve God form the basis for your important decisions? everyday choices? Why or why not?
Why does every choice you make affect those around you, whether or not you intend to affect them?
How can you learn to consistently make Christlike choices?
Theme: Christ calls us to resolve conflicts peacefully.
Scripture: Matthew 5:38-48
Mat 5:38 "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'
Mat 5:39 But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also;
Mat 5:40 and if any one would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well;
Mat 5:41 and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.
Mat 5:42 Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse him who would borrow from you.
Mat 5:43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'
Mat 5:44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Mat 5:45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
Mat 5:46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
Mat 5:47 And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?
Mat 5:48 You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
God Point: Flash confronts Peter, goading him into a fight. Peter avoids Flash's punches for as long as possible (by utilizing some fantastic avoidance techniques) before sending his foe flying down the hall with a single blow to the chest.
More and more people seem to employ intimidation or violence when settling conflicts. Jesus' most famous quote, however, is "Turn the other cheek." Explain how a person can strike a Christlike posture in the face of conflict without necessarily lying down like a doormat.
Discussion Questions:
What are the typical sources of conflict in your life? How do you usually respond to conflict?
Why do you think that so many people resort to intimidation and violence to solve their problems? What are some others ways to work out solutions when we have conflicts?
Read aloud Matthew 5:38-48. Do you completely agree with Jesus' conflict resolution plan? Can a person "turn the other cheek" without being a victim? secretly resentful? self-pitying? Why or why not?
Would following Jesus' teaching help a person to deal with all forms of conflict? Why or why not?
What transformation would have to take place in order for someone to respond to conflict in the manner Jesus recommends? Does such a transformation seem realistic to you? Why or why not?
Do you think that Jesus would ask us to do something that was impossible? Why or why not? How do you think we might respond to Jesus' invitation even if this transformation seems unattainable? Explain.
Additional Verses:
Proverbs 3:27
Galatians 6:10
2 Corinthians 5:20
