PINOCCHIO (1940)

Directed by: Hamilton Lueke, Ben Sharpsteen
Written by: William Cottrell, Otto Englander, Erdman Penner, Joseph Sato, Ted Sears, Webb Smith
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Starring: Dickie Jones, Cliff Edwards, Christian Rub
Rated: G

About the film:
A wooden puppet comes to life but desires to become a real boy. With his conscience, Jiminy Cricket, as his guide, he has many adventures on his way to achieving his dream. That dream does not come true easily.

Movie Quote:
“A conscience is that still small voice that people won’t listen to.”
Jiminy Cricket (Cliff Edwards) in Pinocchio (1940)

Bible Quote:
“And after the earthquake, a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire, a still small voice.”
1 Kings 19:12 (KJV)

Commentary:
It’s funny how a small, humorous quote can be filled with such meaning. The still, small voice which Jiminy Cricket called a “conscience” is exactly what God described in His Word when teaching His prophet Elijah the way to recognize His voice. God’s voice was not heard within the strong wind, the fierce earthquake or the roaring fire which He sent before Elijah. It was heard in the sudden stillness that followed.

People who are waiting for bold, booming, majestic declarations from God may spend a lifetime waiting and never experience the sweet fellowship and communion that God desires and enjoys with His children during quiet moments.

And yet, as Jiminy reminds us, even if we attune our ears to hear His voice, listening to it is still a matter of choice. We should aspire to reach the level where, with peace of heart and quietness of soul, we may both hear and listen to what God has to say. And, in addition to that… we should heed it.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. With all the false teachers and false prophets that exist in this world, how can we know beyond certainty that the still small voice we’re hearing is coming from God?
2. Scripture says that foolishness is bound in the heart of a child. How is this represented in the film? How could it have been avoided?

Michael Elliott
www.screensermon.blogspot.com