Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen – True Love’s Kiss

Today’s post is from the Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen bible study.

This movie based bible study uses Disney’s Frozen and therefore contains spoilers.

Be sure to check out our Frozen page for more ways to share God’s story with Disney’s Frozen.

Be honest. When you heard that “only an act of true love can thaw a frozen heart,” you figured some young handsome prince would come in and save the day, didn’t you? Yeah, I did too. That is what Disney does, right?

But as Disney’s Frozen unfolds we see that an act of true love is actually a sacrificial act (Agape), and not simply a romantic act (Eros).

No one has greater love than this – that one lays down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)

Frozen is not the first time that Disney has played with this idea of true love.

Have you seen Disney’s version of the Jungle Book? (Spoilers!)

Thinking that Baloo the Bear had sacrificed himself to save Mowgli, Bagheera says, “Now, now. I know how you feel. But you must remember, Mowgli: ‘Greater love hath no one than he who lays down his life for his friend.’ ”

True love is a sacrificial love.

This is the way that Baloo loved Mowgli.

This is the way Anna loved Elsa.

This is the way that God loves you.

This is the way we are to love others, for this is true love.

But, as Disney’s Frozen also shows, it is not the only kind of love. Both Philia and Eros are also important and good. They should both, however, be informed by and developed from Agape love. Both Philia and Eros should grow out of, and be defined by, Agape love.

Philia Love

Disney’s Frozen is about two princesses, Elsa and Anna. These two sisters share a strong sisterly – familial – love. These two sisters share Philia love.

It is this love that moves the story forward.

Elsa, out of fear of hurting the sister she loves so much, locks herself in her room. This love actually drives her away when she is older. Afraid of hurting Anna, Elsa decides to simply run away from her. Anna, who misses the sister she loves so much, chases after her when she runs away.

But Philia love is not enough. Philia love should build upon Agape love. Agape love – unconditional love – is what causes Anna to chase after her sister. It is the love that will eventually lead her to sacrifice herself to save Elsa.

Philia love – brotherly/sisterly love – should build upon unconditional love.

Eros Love

Yes, love is also romantic. Disney’s Frozen has a lot of fun with this in the relationship between Anna and Hans. How many times did we hear someone say, “You can’t marry someone you just met!”?

Romantic love is not bad. It is actually amazing in its proper place and time. How many times does the Song of Solomon remind us, “Do not arouse or awaken love until it pleases!”

Romantic love does have a time.

Romantic love does have a place.

But romantic love is not the only or most important, kind of love. As we have seen, there is a love deeper and stronger than romantic love.

This is unconditional love. This is the way Anna loved Elsa. This is the way that Kristoff eventually loves Anna. This is the way that God loves us.

While not the point of Disney’s Frozen, we do see the sacrificial side of romantic love. When Kristoff finally realizes that he loves Anna and that Anna loves him, he sets off to save her with “true love’s kiss,” regardless of the dangerous situation into which he puts himself.

Frozen reminds us that true love is a love that thinks of others as greater than oneself.

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When it comes to love – Philia love, Eros love and Agape love – remember the “golden rule.”

Treat others in the same way that you would want them to treat you. (Luke 6:31)

Whom do you love?

Do you love someone with Philia love? A best friend? A mother, a father, a brother, a sister or a child? A co-worker? A classmate? Do you treat them the way you want them to treat you? Do you love them unconditionally? Do you put their needs before your own?

Do you love someone with Eros love? A spouse? A boyfriend? A girlfriend? A finance? Do you treat them the way you want them to treat you? Do you love them unconditionally? Do you put their needs before your own?

Write down the name of someone you love with Philia love or Eros love. Pray for and look for ways that you can love them unconditionally over the next week. Write down and list the ways you can love them and then do it. Afterward, be sure to mark it off of the list you made. Love does. Go and do.

Like this? Be sure to head on over to Amazon and check out Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen!

Sharing is caring! Would you please share this post? I truly appreciate it.

Also, here are some free downloads to help you share God’s story with Disney’s Frozen!

SharingGodsStorywithFrozen (Frozen and the “Romans Road”)

SharingGodsStorywithDisneysFrozenandtheWordlessBook (Frozen and the Wordless Book)

Get my free e-book, How to See God’s Story in Movies. This free download will help you share God’s story with your kids and students by showing you how to see God’s story in movies.

Not only will this guarantee that you get the latest Reel Parables posts, but you will also get my most popular downloads, including “How to Time Travel.”

And be sure to check out my About page for more info on what I do around here at Reel Parables.

Until next time, God bless.

Simon L Smith

August 25, 2015

How to See God’s Story in Movies (Part 2)

(This is part 2 of a 3 part series. Parts 1 & 3 are here: How to see God’s Story in Movies Part 1 & How to see God’s Story in Movies Part 3)

This is part 2 of my attempt to answer the most common question I get about Reel Parables, “How do you do it?”

Part 1 was all about seeing a pattern.

There is a corrupt world, usually with a counterfeit king or ruler.
There is typically an outside – and dual natured – hero (savior) who is not a part of the corrupt world.
The Hero will almost always sacrifice something, often his/her life.
If the hero dies, he/she will often be resurrected or reborn. If the hero does not die, the world is often restored to its former glory. Also, relationships are restored and reunited.
This resurrection/restoration usually leads to community (restored relationships) and a calling.

In part 2 we will see how this pattern shows itself in a “Lost Parables.”

Jesus and the Lost Parables

In Luke 15 Jesus told three Lost Parables; one about a lost sheep, one about a lost coin, and another about two lost sons.

In each of these stories we get to see what Jesus is like.

The shepherd went looking for one lost sheep, even though he had 99 others. Why? Because that one sheep was important to him. We are that important to Jesus. Jesus loves you the same way.

The woman went looking for one coin, even though she has 9 others. Why? Because that one coin was valuable to her. You are that valuable to Jesus. Jesus loves you the same way.

Finally, a father had two sons. While both wanted the father’s blessing/wealth, neither wanted the father. One got his inheritance early, ran away, and blew it. The other stayed, had access to all the father’s blessings, but ignored it.

Both sons had issues, not just the proverbial “Prodigal Son.” The father loved – and longed for – both sons.

In each of these stories we see Jesus’ character.

Jesus loves and cares for us the way the shepherd loved and cared for the one lost sheep.
Jesus finds us valuable in the same way that the woman found the one lost coin valuable.
Jesus longs to be with – and share His blessing – with us, just like the father wanted to give his blessing on his two sons.

Adam and Eve and the Lost Parable

This story – God looking for what was lost – goes all the way back to the beginning, all the way back to Genesis.

Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God moving about in the orchard at the breezy time of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the orchard. But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” The man replied, “I heard you moving about in the orchard, and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.” (Genesis 3:8-10)

Adam and Eve had sinned.

Adam and Eve were ashamed.

Adam and Eve tried to hide from God.

But God went looking for them. Yea, I know God knew where they were. But He was calling out to them, “Where are you?” They were lost and God went out to find them.

You and Me and the Lost Parable

These three lost parables retell our story. Like the sheep, like the coin, and like the children (sons), we too are lost.

But your sinful acts have alienated you from your God;your sins have caused him to reject you and not listen to your prayers. Isaiah 59:2

Because of our sins we are separated from God. Me. You. Your parents. Your kids. Everyone.

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

But just like the shepherd searched for the sheep, just like the old woman searched for the coin, and just like the father was looking out for his son, Jesus chases after us.

But God demonstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

Yes, while we were still sinners – and therefore lost (separated from God) – Jesus demonstrated His love for us by dying for us.

Jesus died for us while we were sinners.

Jesus died for us while we were still lost.

Jesus died for us while we were separated from God.

Hollywood and the Lost Parable

FYI – Hollywood can’t stop remaking and retelling the Lost Parable.

Finding Nemo

Nemo is literally “caught up in his sin.” He disobeys his dad, Marlin, and is caught by a diver with a net. How do you know Marlin still loves Nemo, even though he disobeyed? Because he went looking for him!

Finding Nemo is the parable of the lost fish.

The next time you watch Finding Nemo with your kids remind them that they are like Nemo and lost because of their sin. But also remind them that Jesus loves them the way Marlin loved Nemo! And just like Marlin went looking for Nemo, because he loved him, Jesus is looking for them (and died to save them)!

Frozen

Elsa, ashamed and afraid of her own actions, runs away. She is the lost sister. But Anna, the sister she left behind, loves her and went out looking for her lost sister.

In this story we are Elsa, the lost ones, and Anna is the Christ character. She even died to save Else like Jesus died to save us.

And just like Jesus rose from the dead, so did Anna!

“Only an act of true love can thaw a frozen heart.”

Jesus loves us the way Anna loved Else.

The next time you watch Frozen with your kids remind them that they are like Elsa and lost because of their actions. But also remind them that Jesus loves them the way Anna loved Else. Not only did she go out looking for Elsa, but she died to save her. Just like Jesus died for us.

Saving Private Ryan

Not all Hollywood Lost Parables are for kids. Saving Private Ryan is a Lost Parable for adults.

Private Ryan is lost at war and a group of soldiers are sent to find him.

Like Jesus did for us, these men sacrificed their own lives to save Private Ryan.

Yes, Jesus demonstrated His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, He died for us!

Yes, the Lost Parables are powerful. We get them. We understand them. They move us.

Why? Because the Lost Parable is our story.

Be on the look out for this type of Reel Parable.

Someone is lost, usually due to their actions (sins).
Someone, the hero and Christ-figure, will chase them and try to find them.
This hero will usually sacrifice something to save them, usually their life.
That sacrifice usually leads to resurrection or restoration or reunion.

You can share God’s story the next time you see this Lost Parable in a movie!

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. (Luke 19:10)

I know this is a lot, so In addition to the worksheets above, I have also combined all three parts into one free e-book, How to Share God’s Story with Movies. This free download will help you share God’s story with your kids and students by showing you how to see God’s story in movies.

Not only will this guarantee that you get the latest Reel Parables posts, but you will also get my most popular downloads, including “How to Time Travel.”

And be sure to check out our new Start Here and About pages!

Until next time, God bless.

Simon L Smith

July 23, 2015February 16, 2018

The 3 Best Movies for Sharing God’s Story with Kids

Kids love a good story. And you know what? They should!

Even God likes stories.

When God chose to reveal Himself to us in the Bible He did it with story. A huge chunk of the Bible is story (narrative). Jesus also loved story. Specifically, Jesus often taught and preached with stories, we call them parables. (Hence the name of this site, Reel Parables!) There is something about a good story that we just get. That is why using movies to share God’s story is such a good idea. We love stories and they often teach us about God and His story. So, without further ado, here are the best three movies for sharing God’s story with younger kids.

(Be sure to also check out the 3 best movies for sharing God’s story with teens. and the 3 best movies for sharing God’s story with adults.)

Frozen

No, I can’t just let it go! (See what I did there?) Frozen is a great movie with which to share God’s story.

Frozen tells us the gospel story. And is a great way to share that good news with kids!

Also, this past Lent we looked at Disney’s Frozen in the context of being emptied and humbled (Philippians 2). We went a bit deeper than usual, but this is a great complimentary read for the parents, teachers, and pastors:

Emptied & Humbled – Disney’s Frozen:

Finally, we also have two free infographics that outline how to share God’s story with Disney’s Frozen:

Free Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen Infographics

Free Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen and the Wordless Book

Wreck-it Ralph

Much like with Frozen, Wreck-it Ralph shows us the gospel story. There is a fallen world with a fake ruler. There is an outside savior (Ralph) who is willing to sacrifice himself to save Sugar Rush. There is the restoration – the resurrection – of the world (of Sugar Rush), specifically with Vanellope, who ends up being a Princess – the daughter of the REAL king. Just like those of us who are Christians, we’ve been adopted into God’s family and are fellow heirs with Christ!

As we did with Frozen, we went a little deeper with Wreck-it Ralph over Lent. Again, this may be a bit deep for kids but makes for a great devotional for parents, teachers, and pastors.

Emptied & Humbled – Wreck-it Ralph:

Finding Nemo

Finding Nemo is a great Reel Parable to follow Jesus’ Lost Parables; The lost sheep, the lost coin, the lost sons, and Finding Nemo.

Nemo is “lost” because he disobeyed his father. Marlin said not to go past a certain point. Nemo rebelled and disobeyed and was literally caught (in a net!) in his sin.

But even though Nemo sinned, his father still loved him and went looking for him, just like the shepherd, just like the woman, and just like the prodigal son’s father.

That is our story too. Because of our sin, we are separated from God, but God comes looking for us also.

But God demonstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

God did not wait for us to come to Him. While we are sinners – and lost from Him – Jesus died for us.

God pursues us!

Just like Marlin pursued Nemo.

It is an easy story and a great way to show kids that God loves them, even when they sin. Just like Marlin still loved Nemo after he sinned.

We also have something a bit deeper for you parents and teachers and pastors.

Emptied & Humbled – Finding Nemo

Honorable Mention – The Classic Jungle Book

No one has greater love than this – that one lays down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)

(Drops mic and walks away….)

Get my free e-book, How to See God’s Story in Movies. This free download will help you share God’s story with your kids and students by showing you how to see God’s story in movies.

Not only will this guarantee that you get the latest Reel Parables posts, but you will also get my most popular downloads, including “How to Time Travel.”

And be sure to check out our new Start Here and About pages!

Until next time, God bless.

Simon L Smith

February 9, 2015

3 Ways to Share God’s Story on a Snow Day

White-as-Snow

A snow day is a great way to share God’s story! In addition to simply playing in the snow, you can teach your child about creation, salvation, and sanctification.

So go ask your child if they want to build a snowman and then share God’s story!

Creation – You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

As you build your snowman, to talk to your child about creation. Let them know that in the same way you are creating the snowman, God created them. Talk about creation and then read or quote Genesis 1:27.

God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

In the same way that you are making this snowman, God made you and your child!

Regardless of how grand your snowman ends up looking, talk to your child about how wonderful it is! As you do, remind them that you, too, are fearfully and wonderfully made! Quote or read Psalm 139:14.

I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your work, and m soul knows it very well.

Let your child know that they are fearfully and wonderfully made!

Why? Because God made them. And God does not make mistakes.

Salvation – Some people are worth melting For.

Even though we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God and He does not make mistakes, we still sin. Shortly after creating the first man and woman, man disobeyed God and sin entered into our world.

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned. (Romans 5:12)

Like Olaf, the snowman from Disney’s Frozen said, “Some people are worth melting for.” Olaf knows that true love is a sacrificial love.

Tell your child that they are worth melting for!

Melting-For

Let them know that Jesus died – melted – for them!

But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

Jesus loves us the way Olaf talks about love. Instead of melting for us, Jesus died for us. Jesus died for you. Jesus died for your child.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Sanctification – Make You White as Snow.

Finally, remind your child that when we believe in the Lord Jesus, we are saved! (Acts 16:31).

We are also made clean!

Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow! (Isaiah 1:18)

Pure-Snow

Purify me.. and I shall be clean. Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7

Sin is dirty, but when we trust God, He takes our sin and makes us as white as snow!

Yeah, we will still sin, but God even takes care of that. Quote or read I John 1:9.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse of from all unrighteousness.

We don’t just trust God to save us, we confess our sins to God believing that He will cleanse us.

So yeah, a snow day is a great way to share God’s story!

Build a snowman and talk about how we are wonderfully made.
Remind your child that they are worth melting for, and that Jesus melted – died – for them.
Let them know that when we believe and trust in Jesus, He makes our dirty sin as white as the snow you are playing in.

Go enjoy a snow day and use it to share God’s story!

If you liked this be sure to check out Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen, a movie based bible study.

And don’t forget to sign up for our mailing list so that you don’t miss anything Reel Parables.

Until next time,

Simon L Smith

Tired-of-Snow

Don’t get tired of snow. Use it to share God’s story!

January 12, 2015

The Prodigal __________.

Sometimes, the simplest stories are the most powerful.

After Adam and Eve disobeyed God, why was He looking for them in the garden?

In Jesus’ “lost” parables in Luke 15, why was the woman searching for the coin? Why was the shepherd out looking for the one lost sheep? Why did the father run out to welcome his prodigal son home?

Because even though they had sinned, God still loved Adam and Eve.

Because the coin was valuable to the woman.

Because the sheep was important to the shepherd.

Because even though he ran away, the father still loved his son.

This story – God’s story – is a power story that has been told many, many times.

In Wreck it Ralph, why did Ralph decide to save Vanellope?

In Disney’s Frozen, why did Anna chase after Elsa when she ran away?

In Finding Nemo, Why did Marlin go searching for Nemo after he was caught because he disobeyed his father?

In Saving Private Ryan, why did Tom Hank’s character’ risk his own life to save Private Ryan’s life?

In Schindler’s List, why did Oskar Schindler sacrifice so much to save the Jews in his factory?

For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. (For rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person perhaps someone might possibly dare to die.) But God demonstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:6-8

While some are cute and others serious, all of these movies tell a powerful story because all of these movies tell God’s story.

God wants to save you the way Ralph saved Vanellope. God is chasing after you the way Anna chased after Elsa. God is searching for you the way Marlin searched for Nemo. God sacrificed for you the way Tom Hank’s character sacrificed for Private Ryan and the way Oskar Schindler sacrificed for his factory workers.

Yes, God demonstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. God demonstrated his own love for you, in that while you were still a sinner, Christ died for you. And God demonstrated his own love for your kids, in that while they were still sinners, Christ died for them.

January 5, 2015

Be Your Kid’s Spiritual Hero

Every story has a hero.

The Matrix has Neo. Lord of the Rings has Frodo. Star Wars has Luke Skywalker. Frozen has, well, no spoilers… yet. Your kids have you.

Every hero has a goal.

As parents, our goal is to see our kids grow in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52).

We want to teach our kids about God and His Word.

We want to help our kids understand God’s Story and we want to help our kids understand their place in God’s Story.

Simply put, we want to disciple our kids.

Every hero has a struggle.

The goal is easy enough – disciple our kids. So what’s the problem?

Sometimes this is easier said than done.

Sometimes our kids would rather watch TV or a movie.

Sometimes our kids are more interested in entertainment than they are education.

Sometimes they simply check out at the mention of a well-known Bible story.

Sometimes they just want to watch Frozen for the 100th time.

Sometimes they want to build a snowman!

Every hero has a mentor.

Neo has Morpheus. Frodo has Gandalf. Luke Skywalker has Obi-Wan. You have me.

Let me help you share God’s Story with your kids! Let me be your Morpheus. Let me be your Gandalf. Let me be your Obi-Wan.

Every hero takes action!

Like Jesus often did, I will show you how to share God’s Word with a story.

Like Paul, we can use our culture to share God’s Story. (Acts 17:16-34)

Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen is a movie-based Bible study that uses a movie your kids already love to teach them about the most important story, God’s Story.

Why? Because Frozen tells a very biblical story.

Arendelle is under a curse because of one person’s actions.

Only an act of true love can lift the curse.

In Frozen, this act of true love ends up being sacrificial love.

The story ends with a sacrificial death and a resurrection!

Yes, Disney’s Frozen can teach us God’s Story!

Download your copy of Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen today!

Together we can share God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen.

You – and your kids – will not be disappointed.
Get my free e-book, How to See God’s Story in Movies. This free download will help you share God’s story with your kids and students by showing you how to see God’s story in movies.

Not only will this guarantee that you get the latest Reel Parables posts, but you will also get my most popular downloads, including “How to Time Travel.”

And be sure to check out our new Start Here and About pages!

Until next time, God bless.

Simon L Smith

December 24, 2014

Frozen You Think You Know Movies (Video)

To celebrate the release of Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen, I present to you – Frozen – You Think You Know Movies?

December 18, 2014February 15, 2018

[Download] Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen

Right-Click the image and select download. And be sure to check out the Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen Bible study/devotional over at Amazon.

SharingGodsStorywithFrozen

Sharing is caring! Would you please share this post? I truly appreciate it.

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen over at Amazon.

Get my free e-book, How to See God’s Story in Movies. This free download will help you share God’s story with your kids and students by showing you how to see God’s story in movies.

Not only will this guarantee that you get the latest Reel Parables posts, but you will also get my most popular downloads, including “How to Time Travel.”

And be sure to check out my About page for more info on what I do around here at Reel Parables.

Until next time, God bless.

Simon

July 22, 2014February 15, 2018

Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen – Dancing with the Devil

Today’s post is from the Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen bible study.

This movie based bible study uses Disney’s Frozen and therefore contains spoilers.

Be sure to check out our Frozen page for more ways to share God’s story with Disney’s Frozen.

When did you know that Hans was the bad guy? Where you surprised? If so, why were you surprised that he ended up being the bad guy?

How did you know that Hans was the bad guy?

Why was Hans the bad guy? What did he want? What was he willing to do to get what he wanted?

How would you describe Hans before you knew he was the bad guy? How would you describe Hans after you knew that he was the bad guy?

What changed? (Not attitude, but actions?)

What did Hans want and desire? (To be king!)

To whom did Hans lie? What was his lie? Why did he lie? What did he hope to gain by lying?

Whom did Hans deceive? Why did he deceive Anna?

If Elsa represents us (the lost ones who need a savior) and Anna represents Jesus (the savior we need), then who does Hans represent?

From the beginning, he appears to be a handsome and honorable young prince.

(From the beginning the Devil seems to be honorable, “surely you won’t die! God knows that you will know good from evil!”)

But is Hans as honorable as he appears?

Does he have the honor that he portrays?

Is he sincere? Or does he have a secret?

Simply put, does Hans have an image or does Hans have integrity?

Hans is all image with no integrity! He wrapped himself up in a very nice, attractive and appareling image (like an angel of light!) so he can trick Anna, gain her trust, and steal the kingdom.

II Corinthians “for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

Hans presents a perfect image. But inside he lacks integrity.

And this makes Hans the true enemy; the devil of the story, the Satan of the story, and the true evil of Frozen.

Like the devil, Hans looks good on the outside but is bad on the inside.

Like the devil, Hans wants a position that is not his (Isaiah 14:13-14). He wants it so badly that he is willing to lie and kill for it (John 8:44), deceive for it (Revelation 12:9), and blind others to the truth to get it (2 Corinthians 4:4)!

While Anna emptied herself of selfish ambition, Hans filled himself up with it!

Yes, Elsa certainly plays the role of the antagonist; she ignores/abandons Anna, she causes the curse and appears to be the “enemy.” But Hans, who appears to be an ally, is the real evil in Frozen!

Hans has vain ambition in that he wanted something that was not his. He is a liar. He is a deceiver. Hans is a murderer. He will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. He will do whatever it takes to win!

He lied, but like the devil did so in a way that sounded good, beautiful, and true. He said all the right things. He appeared to do all the right things. He told Anna what she wanted to hear.

We know Hans is the true bad guy because he is willing to lie, deceive and kill for something that is not his. Just like the devil.

Yea, Hans is more like the devil than most devils in movies.

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Vain Ambition

Read Isaiah 14:13-14.

You said to yourself, “I will climb up to the sky. Above the stars of El (God) I will set up my throne. I will rule on the mountain of assembly on the remote slopes of Zaphon. I will climb up to the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High!”

Most bible scholars attribute this part of Isaiah to the Devil, Lucifer and use it to show what the devil is really like. The devil wanted to be like the “Most High,” a common name/description of the one true God. In an act of rebellion the Devil – one of God’s created beings (angels) – wanted to be like God. He did not want to be with God but wanted to be like God or to replace God. The devil wanted a position that was not his. He wanted to a position that was not his. He was prideful. He had vain ambition.

In the same way, Hans wanted a position that was not his; he wanted to be king of Arendelle.

If the devil’s first (main?) sin was rebellion – wanting to replace God – are there areas in your life where you are in open (or not so open) rebellion? Are there areas of your life where you want to be God?

If so just remember that God already knows and still loves you! Just please don’t take His patience as a sign that He doesn’t know or that He doesn’t care. He is slow to anger and His patience with us has a purpose.

The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some regard slowness, but is being patient toward you, because he does not wish for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

God is patient with us so that we will repent and draw near to Him.

Angel of Light

Read 2 Corinthians 11:14-15.

And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will correspond to their actions.

As we have already seen Hans looked good on the outside, but was ugly on the inside. He had a wonderful image but lacked integrity.

Contrary to most movies, the devil doesn’t really scare us. Why would he? If he showed up looking ugly and scary most of us would know to stay away! Instead, he shows up looking like an “angel of light,” pretty, appealing, and looking good.

His goal is not to scare us. His goal is to trick us.

How does the devil trick us? How did Hans trick Anna?

Deceiver

Read Revelation 12:9.

So that huge dragon – the ancient serpent, the one called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world – was thrown down to the earth, and his angels along with him.

(To deceive is to cause someone to believe something that is not true, typically to gain some personal advantage.)

The devil doesn’t need to scare us. Instead, he wants to deceive us.

Isn’t this what Hans did? Who all did Hans deceive? Why did he deceive these people?

Murder and Liar

Read John 8:44.

You people are from your father the devil, and you want to do what your father desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies.

Again, this describes Hans. He liked, to just about everyone, and even tried to kill Anna!

But why? Why did Hans want to kill Anna?

Blinds to the Truth

Read 2 Corinthians 4:4.

Among whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of those who do not believe so they would not see the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God.

Again, this describes Hans!

He blinded everyone to the truth and then tried to get his own way.

Hans is an amazing representation of the Devil.

He is a liar, a cheater, and a murderer.

He longs for something – a position – that is not his and will do anything, even kill, to get it.

Watch out for the Hans in your life.

Remember, the devil is not out to scare you, he is out to trick and deceive you!

Yes, Frozen can even teach us about how the devil works!

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Like this? Be sure to head on over to Amazon and check out Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen!

Sharing is caring! Would you please share this post? I truly appreciate it.

Also, here are some free downloads to help you share God’s story with Disney’s Frozen!

SharingGodsStorywithFrozen (Frozen and the “Romans Road”)

SharingGodsStorywithDisneysFrozenandtheWordlessBook (Frozen and the Wordless Book)

Get my free e-book, How to See God’s Story in Movies. This free download will help you share God’s story with your kids and students by showing you how to see God’s story in movies.

Not only will this guarantee that you get the latest Reel Parables posts, but you will also get my most popular downloads, including “How to Time Travel.”

And be sure to check out my About page for more info on what I do around here at Reel Parables.

Until next time, God bless.

Simon L Smith

July 10, 2014February 15, 2018

Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen – Sacrifice

Today’s post is from the Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen bible study.

This movie based bible study uses Disney’s Frozen and therefore contains spoilers.

Be sure to check out our Frozen page for more ways to share God’s story with Disney’s Frozen.

Early in Frozen we are told that,

Only an act of true love can thaw a frozen heart.

This is a very powerful – and biblical – idea.

Our frozen hearts separate us from God. But God demonstrates His love for us by chasing us down.

Our hearts are frozen because we are under a curse. But like in Frozen, there is someone who can break that curse and thaw our hearts!

Anna chased after Elsa like God chased after Adam and Eve and chases after us!

This is because Anna loved Elsa like God loves us.

Knowing this, and knowing that Anna is the one that loved Elsa so much that she went looking for her, what role might Anna play in Elsa’s redemption?

But God demonstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

Not only did Anna go out and find Elsa but she demonstrated her (agape) love for Elsa by sacrificing herself to save her.

Anna demonstrated her love for Elsa by dying for her, by dying in her place.

Anna, who did nothing wrong, died to save Elsa.

Anna certainly did not deserve to die. She didn’t freeze the kingdom. She didn’t leave her sister, her home, and her kingdom.

She didn’t do anything wrong. Elsa did.

But Anna died.

Why?

Because she loved Elsa the way Jesus loves us.

Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well. Philippines 2:3-8

This very much describes Anna!

If she had stayed in Arendelle then SHE would have been the queen! But instead of looking out for herself (selfish ambition) or her position (becoming Queen) she humbled herself and went out to find – and save – Elsa.

You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had, who though he existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature. He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross!

She had the same attitude towards Elsa that Christ has towards us. She left her glory (her kingdom where she would have become the queen) and went out looking for Elsa so that she could save her.

And in the same way that Christ humbled himself to the point of death, so did Anna! As we already stated Anna humbled herself to the point of death so that she could save Elsa.

In this Reel Parable, we are Elsa, separated because of our actions and in need of help Anna is Jesus, the one who sacrificed himself so we can have eternal life.

Why did Anna save Elsa?

Did Anna deserve to die?

Why was this an act of “true love?”

How was this act of true love (agape) different from a simple “true love’s (Eros) kiss?” What’s the difference between the two?

If you are not a Christian, what actions separate you from God?

If you are a Christian, what actions negatively affect your relationship with God?

Who deserves to be punished for those sins?

Why would Jesus take the punishment – die for – your actions?

Why would Jesus love you that much?

Have you confessed those actions (and your sinfulness in general) to God?

Remember 2 Peter 3:9 and I John 1:9:

The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some regard slowness, but is being patient toward you, because he does not wish for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

You are not getting away with anything. You may not have been caught yet, but you are not off the hook. Someday you will give an account for your sins. Some of you may feel that you are doing that now (sin does, after all, affect relationships) and some of you may feel like you are getting away with something. Please know that God will make all of us give an account.

God is patient so that you will repent.

Justice will be served. Please, I beg you, don’t take God’s patience as a sign that you are getting away with it. God’s patience towards you is so that you will repent – turn from your sins and turn towards God – and “get right” with God.

The goal is not to “get away” with it, the goal is to “get right” with God. Repent while God is still showing His patience.

That’s where the confession comes in for both Christians and non-Christians.

But if we confess our sins, he (God) is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9)

In the same way that an “I’m sorry” can restore a broken human relationship, an “I’m sorry” can also restore a broken relationship with God.

If you are not a Christian then this is an act of faith; Repent (turn from your sin and turn towards God) and confess your sins to Him.

As Christian, we will still sin. Although our sins have been forgiven (justice already served!) they can still negatively affect our relationship with God. Some people will say it like this; sin breaks our fellowship with God. We don’t lose our salvation, but we can break our fellowship with God.

And because God knows that we will still sin this applies to Christians also. We need to restore that fellowship by confessing our sins. This is our “I’m sorry” to God.

Remember, Anna loved Elsa the way that Jesus loves us.

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When Elsa was out of fellowship with Anna, Anna chased her down.

God has done the same for us.

Notice also that Elsa apologizes to Anna, the one whom she has sinned against.

We need to do the same with God. We need to apologize (repent and confess) for our sins so that we can restore our relationship (fellowship).

Like this? Be sure to head on over to Amazon and check out Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen!

Sharing is caring! Would you please share this post? I truly appreciate it.

Also, here are some free downloads to help you share God’s story with Disney’s Frozen!

SharingGodsStorywithFrozen (Frozen and the “Romans Road”)

SharingGodsStorywithDisneysFrozenandtheWordlessBook (Frozen and the Wordless Book)

Get my free e-book, How to See God’s Story in Movies. This free download will help you share God’s story with your kids and students by showing you how to see God’s story in movies.

Not only will this guarantee that you get the latest Reel Parables posts, but you will also get my most popular downloads, including “How to Time Travel.”

And be sure to check out my About page for more info on what I do around here at Reel Parables.

Until next time, God bless.

Simon L Smith