Shrek (Judging Others)

Rated PG, with voices by Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz,…
Main Point: We nee to avoid judging others by outward appearances.

About the Clip: In this scene Shrek and Donkey are sitting under the stars talking. Donkey asks Shrek why he wants to keep everyone out of his life. They get into an argument, and Shrek says that everyone judges him before they even get a chance to know him.

Start the scene at Chapter 10, 45:37.

Key Lines:

Shrek: You know Donkey, sometimes things are more than they appear. Hmm? Forget it.

Donkey: Hey, Shrek, what we gonna do when we get our swamp anyway?

Shrek: Our swamp?

Donkey: You know, when we’re through rescuing the princess and all that stuff.

Shrek: We? Donkey, there’s no “we.” There’s no “our.” There’s just me and my swamp. The first thing I’m gonna do is build a ten-foot wall around my land.

Donkey: You cut me deep Shrek. You cut me real deep just now. You know what I think. I think this whole wall thing is just a way to keep somebody out.

Shrek: No, do ya think?

Donkey: Are you hidin’ something?

Shrek: Never mind Donkey.

Donkey: Oh, this is another one of those onion things, isn’t it?

Shrek: No, this is one of those drop-it and leave-it-alone things.

Donkey: Why don’t you want to talk about it?

Shrek: Why do you want to?

Donkey: Why are you blocking.

Shrek: I’m not blocking.

Donkey: Oh, yes, you are.

Shrek: Donkey, I’m warning you.

Donkey: Who you trying to keep out Shrek? Just tell me that, who?

Shrek: Everyone! Okay?

Donkey: Oh, now we gettin’ somewhere.

Shrek: Oh! For the love of Pete!

Donkey: Hey, what’s your problem Shrek? What you got against the whole world anyway?

Shrek: I’m not the one with the problem, okay? It’s the world that seems to have a problem with me. People take one look at me and go, “Aah! Help! Run! A big, stupid, ugly ogre!” (Sighs) They judge me before they even know me. That’s why I’m better off alone.

Donkey: You know what? When we met, I didn’t think you was just a big, stupid, ugly ogre.

Shrek: Yeah, I know.

Scene ends at Chapter 10, 48:30.

Divide into Small Groups:
Let’s go ahead and split up into our discussion groups, and 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. ASK ONE OR TWO: Why was Shrek wanting to build a wall around his swamp? (Because he was sick of being judged, discriminated against just because he was hideous to look at)
2. ASK A FEW: Think of your school. Think of someone that people treat bad because of their looks or the way they dress. This is a reality. But is it fair? Why or why not?
3. ASK A FEW: Think of someone really good looking, rich, or popular at the school. How do people treat them? (could be good or bad) Is this fair? Why or why not?
4. ASK A FEW: What are some ways that people judge each other today? (race, socio-economic status, physical, intellectual, etc.)
5. ASK A FEW: In the clip we just saw, Shrek admitted that Donkey didn’t think he was “a big, stupid, ugly ogre” when they first met. Why is this?
6. AROUND THE CIRCLE: Would you rather have a friend that judges outward appearances, or someone like Donkey- someone that doesn’t judge others by their outside appearance? Why?

   Read the following passage: James 2:1-7 (NLT) “My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim that you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people more than others?
   [2] For instance, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in shabby clothes. [3] If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, [4] doesn't this discrimination show that you are guided by wrong motives?
   [5] Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn't God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren't they the ones who will inherit the kingdom God promised to those who love him? [6] And yet, you insult the poor man! Isn't it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? [7] Aren't they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?”
   

7. ASK ONE OR TWO: What kind of discrimination and favoritism was going on here with the rich man and poor man?
8. ASK A FEW: Why do you think that in the story, the man with the gold ring and fine clothes was favored? Do you think that happens at school and at church today?
9. First read verses 6 and 7 again.

   ASK A FEW: We already talked about the groups we tend to favor. In the passage above, even though the rich people tended to look down on everyone else, they were still favored. Why would we favor those people who look down on everyone else?

10. ASK A FEW: Could the opposite be true? Could some people look down on a rich person just because they’re rich? Is that fair?

11. ASK A FEW: Favoritism has no place in the life of a Christian. If being a Christian means “being like Christ,” we must look at Jesus. What kind of people did Jesus choose as his disciples? When we think about all the stories of Jesus, what kinds of people did he usually interact with?
12. AROUND THE CIRCLE: Considering what we just talked about, what is one thing you have learned or been reminded of that is a good thing to think about this next week?
13. AROUND THE CIRCLE: What is one way you can apply this in your life this week- in other words- what is one action you can take this week?

Challenge: Think about people in your life who are often passed over and forgotten. Take time this week to make it a point to get to know them or do something special for them. Do like Jesus would have done.

Original Idea by Dan Miller