On June 2 the movie Wonder Woman hit the big screens and according to many critics and reviews, the film has been a “super” success. The film has set records for the biggest domestic opening for a female director ($103.3 million) as well as the biggest opening for a female-led comic book film. Also, the movie has topped $600 million worldwide, making it the eighth highest-grossing film in 2017.

Gal Gadot stars as Princess Diana, who is a demigod from Themyscira, a tropical paradise populated by female Amazonian warriors. Diana learns there are humans dying in a nearby war when a pilot named Steve Trevor (played by actor Chris Pine) crashes a plane close to the island where she lives. Knowing this, she is driven by duty, compassion and love to help those who cannot help themselves. Even though Diana knows humans are deeply flawed, she still believes they are worth saving.

The themes within Wonder Woman stand out from other superhero movies. Diana is not concerned about showing off her superpowers or seeking revenge from villains. She symbolizes something greater than herself. She personifies how true strength is found in love. That love compels her to fight for justice for the oppressed.

Sacred duties involve self-sacrifice

This Wonder Woman movie embodies the theme of self-sacrifice. Diana chooses to leave her perfect home in order to save those who are suffering. She is warned that if she leaves her home she can never return, yet Diana chooses to leave anyway proclaiming: “It is our sacred duty to defend the world. And it is what I am going to do!” Why would Diana give up her life to save humans who are corrupt? Love.

Similarly, God loves us even though we are corrupt. God still believes we are worth saving even though it cost God’s Son, Jesus, his life! It is this type of sacrificial attitude that Jesus wants us to embody so we can love others the way he does. Use this issue to help your teens explore the theme of love through self-sacrifice and how it motivates us to do good for others.

Question of the day: When have you had to give up something in order to improve someone else’s life?
Focal scriptures: Matthew 16:24-28; Philippians 2:1-11; John 15:9-17 

For a complete lesson on this topic visit LinC.