At the Movies: Lion King – Discussion Questions
Main Point
Knowing who you are is only possible when you know who is truly king.
Start the Conversation
What character do you most relate to in The Lion King? What is one of your favorite scenes? Why?
Introduction
We are not all born into such a welcoming environment as Simba was, nor is our purpose as obvious as his was, which was to grow up and be king. However, we all have a purpose and authority, given directly from God the Father, to rule and reign on the earth. In order to live out what you are meant for, you must know who you are and, more importantly, whose you are. You are a child of the one true king – Jesus. You may be thinking, “That’s wonderful news and all, but what does it mean for my life?” Let’s dive together into God’s word to us (the Bible) to discover an answer.
Encounter God through Bible Study
Read Genesis 1:2;26 and 1 Corinthians 8:6.
1. Imagine someone hands you an object you’ve never seen before. You wouldn’t know what its purpose is. However, if you could speak with its creator and have access to its manual then you would certainly better understand what it is and how to use it properly. Do you think if you knew Jesus more and spent more time in God’s word then you would know more of who you are and what your purpose is?
Read Genesis 3:5-6.
2. Have you committed sins because you wanted to have more power, knowledge, and ultimately be your own king? In the Lion King, Simba’s defiance of his father’s rules landed him in a heap of trouble with the hyenas. Simba’s actions remind us that there is a cost to following our desires that are in opposition of the Father’s will. Adam and Eve were the first of us to discover this truth. In your life, reflect on a moment you chose to sin. What troubles did this choice cause you?
Read Luke 15:11-13.
3. Like the son who requested and received his inheritance from his father then strayed from home, have you ever wanted God’s blessings (what He has to give) more than a relationship with Him?
Read Luke 15:14-16.
4. Micah commented that a lion king filling up on bugs is as ridiculous as the prodigal son feeding a pen full of Pumbas. What quick fixes or lesser things do you try to fill up on when you know they will not fulfill you for long?
Read Luke 15:17-22.
5. Simba was reluctant to return to obey the calling his father had given him – to be king. Are you reluctant to obey God and His calling for you?
6. When the prodigal son was approaching his father’s home, the parable says the father ran to his son. How could the father see his son off in the distance if he wasn’t already waiting and looking for him? Do you feel like God is on the watch for you and ready to embrace you with the same welcoming and accepting arms?
7. When the prodigal met his father outside the home, do you find it odd that the father never lets the son finish his prepared speech about how he’s not worthy to be called his son? What does this tell you about the Father?
8. Eventually, Simba embraced and accepted the reality that he has always been the king’s son. He is a rightful heir to the kingdom. His identity never changed regardless of his choices or circumstances. He embraced the fact that the past is the past. Even though it shapes you, your past doesn’t define you, and it’s only as powerful as you allow it to be. Does your past hinder you from embracing the present and living a prosperous future?
Read Psalm 138:8, Psalm 57:2 and Matthew 5:13-16.
9. Ultimately, when Simba returned home to his father’s kingdom, his identity, purpose, and life were restored. Do you find an irrevocable identity in Christ? Do you return to God for your purpose and direction in life?
Embrace Biblical Community
Evaluate your passions, what you’re good at in life, and what you enjoy doing. Think about what you can do with those things that is in accordance to God’s word. If your group has been meeting for a long time, ask for other members’ insights. Do they see a purpose God has for you that you haven’t realized yourself? Pray that His will for your life is revealed more this week.
Expand God’s Kingdom
Invite people to know God through His body: the church. Invite them to lunch to get to know them. Invite them to your home for a game night. Invite them to church. Be creative!
Leader Notes
We encourage groups to try the Discovery Bible Method as an alternative to these discussion questions. You will find details for this Bible study method here. For this week, please study Luke 15:11-32.
7. The father didn’t even acknowledge the comment about not being worthy to be your son because the father likely thought that it was ridiculous. I’m your father; you are my son. What you do doesn’t define you or change your identity. Simba was welcomed upon his adult return to Pride Rock as he was welcomed after his birth.
