THE MATRIX (1999)

Directed by: Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski
Written by: Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski
Studio: Warner Brothers
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss
Rated: R

About the film:
A computer hacker named Neo discovers that the world he thought he knew is a façade. Machines have built a complex system capable of hiding the true nature of life from the eyes of all but a few renegade men. Neo joins forces with these rebels to fight against the machines who aim to keep all of humanity under their control.

Movie Quote:
“You have to let it all go, Neo. Fear, doubt, and disbelief. Free your mind.”
Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) in The Matrix (1999)

Bible Quote:
“’If you can?’ said Jesus. Everything is possible for him who believes.”
Mark 9:23 (NIV)

Commentary:
In The Matrix, Morpheus teaches Neo the importance of believing with one’s whole heart. If we could learn only one thing in this world, the principle of believing would be the most important. What we choose to believe is the reality in which we live.

It’s our believing that activates the power of God and as we faithfully apply His truth to our situations of life, we receive the results that He promises. Allowing doubt, fear, worry, or disbelief to take residence in our minds only serves to remove us from that abundant free-flowing stream of blessings that God is always willing and able to give us.

Freeing our minds from disbelief is a deliberate act of the will that requires discipline, study, and a continual effort. “Blind faith” too often fails because that kind of believing is weakened due to the lack of a solid foundation of truth and understanding. A strong faith born of a spiritual understanding based upon one’s study of God’s Word (and one’s proving of His Word through application and practice) is far more rewarding. It is why God so often exhorts us to know and do His commandments.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. If everything is possible, why do we not see more miracles every day?
2. Neo had to grow into his level of understanding and believing. So do we. What techniques can be employed to help us get past our disbelief? What examples from the film support your answer?

Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com