How to Share Your Faith Using Shrek the Third
The Shrek movie franchise is the top animated franchise of all time, with a whopping $1.4 billion racked up in global ticket sales for Shrek I and II. So whether you consider Shrek the Third another jewel in the crown of this fairytale-meets-farce series, or you wish the movie's producer had given it a rest while the enchantment was fresh and edgy, there's little doubt that Shrek the Third will draw in the crowds.
The latest episode in the adventures of Shrek and Fiona finds their 'happily ever after' life being put at risk when Fiona's father, King Harold, falls ill and expects Shrek to take over the role of King. Shrek is appalled by the prospect of leaving his beloved swamp and spending his days dressed to the nines, surrounded by pomp and royalty. So Shrek & Co. set off on a quest to find Fiona's long-lost cousin Artie, and valiantly try to recruit this reluctant relative for the royal job opening of King. While they're off on their recruiting venture, back home in the kingdom of Far, Far Away, the stage is set for the forces of good and evil to face off. The jilted Prince Charming is gathering strength to his ranks and staging a palace takeover.
There's a reason why traditional fairytales and spoofs on traditional fairytales often center on a battle between the forces of good and evil. Fairytales tap into the basic human 'sixth sense' that there's an ongoing struggle unfolding, both around us and within us, between good and evil. They reinforce our longings for good to win out over evil. And interestingly, they often feature the self-sacrificing efforts of a heroic, noble figure who arrives on the scene to rescue those in distress - a faint echo of the Princely King Jesus who arrived on the human scene 2000 years ago to rescue humanity from the spiritual consequences of our sinful choices.
So look for ways to use this popular movie franchise as a springboard to talk about the spiritual realms of good and evil and to share your faith in Jesus - our heroic, princely rescuer. Try some of these ideas to get the conversation turned toward God-talk:
- Why do fairytales always include evil villains?
- Ask your friends if they think there is a spiritual battle raging between the forces of good and evil in the real world. Share what you believe. For help with this, check out Ephesians 6:12.
- If your friends acknowledge a battle between good and evil in the world, ask them how they think the ultimate outcome will be determined. Share what you believe about Jesus' heroic death and resurrection and how his gift of salvation rescues us from the consequences we deserve.
- What do you think of when you hear the phrase 'happily ever after'? Does it bring to mind images of heaven? Share with your friends how they can face the future in light of the hope of heaven through faith in Jesus.
"For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:40, NIV)
Did you grow up laughing at the antics of Shrek and Donkey? Enjoy revisiting your childhood - and then take the opportunity to let you friends know how Jesus is waiting to be their noble, heroic rescuer from the very real forces of evil.
