Phillipians
Video Workshop
Summary of Lesson Activities:
Movie: “Babe”
Rated G, Universal Pictures 1 hr. 32 min. (this lesson uses excerpts-not the whole movie)
Scripture:
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 NIV
Main Idea:
Babe is an orphaned pig who becomes a prize at a fair. He is won by Farmer Hoggett and begins life on a farm. While Babe encounters many animals, both good and bad, he is always unprejudiced and is willing to think the best of everyone. He speaks kindly to all, is helpfu,l and softens the hearts of those around him.
Note: This is an abbreviated version of the full lesson, which takes one hour and 15 minutes.For a copy of the full lesson, please email me at sharonlyaco@gmail.com
Scripture connections: a variety of scriptures are included throughout lesson; Philippians 4:8-9, however, illustrates the overarching theme of Babe’s willingness to always see the best of every person and every situation.
Lesson Plan
Opening:
Greet the children and introduce yourself.
Open with a prayer.
Dig:
Read Philippians 4:8-9. Explain to the students that they will be watching a few clips from the movie “Babe”. They should look for instances throughout where Babe’s behavior and attitude exemplify this Scripture.
Use the menu guide on the dvd to go directly to scenes. You will not use all the scenes in the movie. If you are familiar with the story, you can fill in the gaps if the children have questions. We will focus mainly on Babe’s kindness, helpfulness, and lack of prejudice. These are the characteristics to be stressed during discussion but you can certainly talk about any other characteristics the children notice. There are Bible verses in parentheses that can help illustrate some of the concepts, as well. Use of these is optional and depends upon the amount of time you have for the lesson.
You may either ask a question or two after each scene or save the questions for the end of the movie. Feel free to point things out that you want the children to notice.
Scene: The Unprejudiced Heart
This is the opening scene. We see Babe lose his mother and hear that pigs get no respect from anyone but other pigs.
Q. How do we see that in our society today? (people use “pig” as a derogatory term)
At the end of the scene, Babe is referred to as a “worthless little runt”. Keep that in mind as we watch the other scenes.
Q. Are there people in our world that we consider “worthless”? (criminals, homeless people)
Q. How do you think God sees them? (Genesis 1:27,31)
Scene: Pork is a Nice Sweet Meat Q. Does Babe seem happy? Q.How does Arthur Hoggett save Babe’s life (mention that he might fetch some good money at the fair next year implying they should wait and sell him). Q. Is Hoggett beginning to become fond of Babe? Q. Why do you think that is? ( not worthless, cute, helpful, smart)
Scene: The Watch Pig
Q. What does Babe do in this scene? (chases away the thieves)
Q. Why do you suppose Babe did this dangerous thing?
Q. Is Babe brave? Helpful? Important?
Babe could have been seriously injured or killed but he only thought of saving the sheep in this encounter.
Q. How is that like Jesus? (Luke 15:3-7)
Scene: The Sheep Pig
Q. What does Ma think about Babe?
Listen closely to the story about Rex and how he lost his hearing. There are a lot of parallels to Jesus story of love, caring, and sacrifice for us. The Bible even refers to us as sheep!
Point out some of the key points to the children: Rex sacrificed comfort to find the sheep, he stayed with them all night, the sheep were too stupid to save themselves (in need of a leader). Make the connection about Jesus comforts us and looks for us when we go astray. He did it at great cost –the crucifixion. Read (John 10:11) "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
Reflection:
Talk about Babe’s attitude in all the different things. Ask if he ever complained or spoke ill of anyone. (no). Sometimes he asks questions when he doesn’t understand something but he never whines or complains. Ask the children if they can cite an example of Babe’s cheerful nature.
Encourage them to think about the people they know and what it’s like being around the pleasant, uncomplaining people versus those who are always grumpy and finding fault. Read Philippians 4:8-9 again.
Close in prayer
Written by Sharon Yacoviello for Fishers United Methodist Church GPS program
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