Horton Hears a Who!

Main Point of Discussion: We are called to be faithful 100%.

The Movie Clip: “I meant what I said, and I said what I meant, and an elephant's faithful one hundred percent.”

Horton Hears a Who! is a fantastic adaptation of the Dr. Suess’ classic children’s book. With some of the best voice talent in Hollywood and amazing animation, the makers of this movie stay true to the book’s theme of “character and integrity” throughout the film.

The clip we are using today features a great scene between Horton and Morton. Horton has been taking care of the tiny speck of dust resting on a clover for some time now and all the kids in the Jungle of Nool are impressed. Kangaroo has had just about enough of Horton’s nonsense and plans on ending the charade.

Introducing the Clip:
Today I want to show you a clip from the movie “Horton Hears a Who!” Many of you have already seen this movie, but for those who haven’t, this scene begins with Morton telling Horton that Kangaroo is very upset with him and has gone to Vlad to take care of Horton.

Scene Script:
(Here's just a few of the key lines of the conversation between Horton and Morton. This is not the full dialogue of the scene.)

Morton: So unless you're good with giant, razor-sharp claws ripping the flesh off of your body. I'd get rid of the clover.

Horton: I can't. I promised the mayor. I meant what I said, and I said what I meant. And an elephant's faithful 100%.

Morton: Please, for me, just this once, be faithful 99% of the time. I've never gotten 99% on anything. And I think I'm awesome. So come on.

Horton: I meant what I said, and I said what I meant…

Morton: (Morton turns his back to Horton as if frustrated.) I'm not gonna say it.

(Horton makes his eyes really big and makes a funny face and just waits.)

Morton: You can do that all day. It's not happening. (Morton shrugs and gives up turning to face Horton.) An elephant's faithful 100%.

Horton: That's right. That's my code, my motto. But thanks for the warning.

Transitional Statement:
In the scene we just watched Horton was faced with a pretty serious dilemma. Kangaroo threatened to kick him out of the Jungle of Nool or the possibility of Vlade’s giant razor sharp claws ripping the flesh of his body if he didn't get rid of the clover. But Horton made a promise to the mayor and an elephant is loyal 100%.

Divide into Small Groups:
Let’s go ahead and split up into our discussion groups and talk about faithfulness and saying what we mean, then afterward we’ll come back together for a final word.

CLICK HERE for a quick training article on how to maximize your small groups using our small group format—a great resource to equip your small group leaders.

Discussion Questions:

1. AROUND THE CIRCLE: Before we begin, tell everyone your name and if you had a motto or a code, what would it be?
2. ASK SOMEONE: What is a motto?
3. ASK SOMEONE: What is Horton’s motto or code?

   Read the following passage from the Bible:

   
   James 5:12 (NIV)
   Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, or you will be condemned.
   
   
4. ASK A FEW: What do you think this verse is trying to communicate?
5. ASK SOMEONE: What does Horton’s motto and this passage have in common?
6. ASK SOMEONE: What is the only way to let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no?
7. ASK SOMEONE: In the scene we just saw, what does Morton ask Horton to do?
8. ASK A FEW: Have you ever been asked to compromise? What happened?
9. ASK A FEW: Compromising opens the door to “not coming through” for someone. Because if we are faithful only 99 out of 100 times, what are we to that one person we bail on?

God is an example of being faithful. He is faithful to us.

Read the following passages from the Bible:


Psalm 33:4 (NIV)
For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.

Psalm 145:13 (NIV)
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.

Psalm 146:6 (NIV)
…the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them–the LORD, who remains faithful forever.



10. ASK SOMEONE: What one word keeps appearing in these verses?
11. ASK A FEW: Define “faithful.”
12. ASK SOMEONE: According to the last Psalm above, Psalm 146:6, how long does the Lord remain faithful?
13. ASK A FEW: Why do you think God wants us to be faithful 100%?
14. AROUND THE CIRCLE: Do you want to be more like Horton or Morton? Why?
15. AROUND THE CIRCLE: What are some things we can do to live a life where we “mean what we say and say what we mean” or “let our no be no and our yes be yes”?

Written by Todd Pearage