MARY POPPINS (1964)

Directed by: Robert Stevenson
Written by: Bill Walsh, Don da Gradi
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Starring: Julie Andrews, Dick van Dyke, David Tomlinson
Rated: G

About the film:
Two lonely English children, whose parents are too busy with their own lives and interests to pay them much attention, wish for a nanny to arrive that will fill the gap in their lives. Their wish comes true. The magical Mary Poppins is practically perfect in every way. Upon her arrival, she immediately begins to reorder the house and the priorities of the people that live there.

Movie Quote:
“Never judge things by their appearances – even carpetbags.”
Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews) in Mary Poppins (1964)

Bible Quote:
“You are looking only on the surface of things. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as he.”
2 Corinthians 10:7 (NIV)

Commentary:
Mary Poppins reproves her two young charges when they fall into a trap that most of us have visited on more than one occasion.

It is natural to make assumptions based upon first or superficial impressions. But we are instructed by God not to react with our natural man sensibilities. Rather, we are to adopt the patient wisdom and understanding of our spiritual Father who, according to the Scriptures, looks on the heart.

The most meaningful part of an individual is not to be found in his outward appearance. John the Baptist would have never made the cover of GQ and yet Jesus praised him as being the greatest man ever born of woman (Matthew 11:11). Jesus himself was rejected by many because he did not fit their image of what the long-anticipated Messiah should look like.

Let us not rush to judgment based upon appearances for appearances can deceive. It takes time and effort to really get to know what’s in a person’s heart. Our next brother or sister in Christ might very well be the last person we’d expect.


Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. The film illustrates the need for parents to balance their professional life with their family life so neither gets neglected. How can this be accomplished? How are one’s priorities to be structured?
2. When we judge by appearances, we generally make poor judgments. What are some examples from the film?

Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com