STAR WARS - THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1980)

Directed by: Irvin Kershner
Written by: Leigh Brackett, Lawrence Kasdan
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher
Rated: PG

About the film:
In this continuation of the Star Wars saga, Luke receives advanced Jedi training from Jedi master Yoda. Meanwhile, his friends are captured by Darth Vader which means that Luke must quickly utilize all he has learned in order to rescue them.

Movie Quote:
“Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you? Hmm? Hmm? And well you should not. For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is.”
Yoda (Frank Oz) in Star Wars – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Bible Quote:
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
1 John 4:4 (NIV)

Commentary:
It is hard to imagine that the muppet-like Yoda would be capable of accomplishing any great physical feat. It is because we have become accustomed to sizing things up and reaching conclusions based solely upon our sense knowledge awareness. As Yoda so quickly points out, this would be a serious misjudgment on our part.

Bigger is not necessarily better. In fact, where God is concerned, size is of no consequence. God’s strength and might can work within even the smallest individual and bring victory to a situation despite overwhelming odds or resistance.

By believing, David defeated Goliath even though he was at a great physical disadvantage. By believing, Gideon and 300 unarmed men conquered an army of Midianites. By believing, Moses stood in front of the vast Red Sea and, calling upon the power of God, commanded the sea itself to part.

The various obstacles and adversities that we face in life may appear to us to be unbeatable if we look at them at face value. What we must remember is that we do not tackle our problems alone. As we believe and trust in God, there is no enemy that we cannot drive back and no obstacle that we cannot overcome.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. What should be the criteria used when estimating a person’s worth or value to us?
2. What must Yoda teach Luke before he can grow in his knowledge and understanding of “the Force?” What are the spiritual implications of this?

Michael Elliott
www.screensermon.blogspot.com