Matrix Clip

The Matrix is reality, but humans don’t even know about it. They are living in a kind of dream state where everything feels great, but it’s not reality. Neo knows that something is not right and he is searching for truth.  Read the subtitles and pay close attention to how Morpheus, played by Laurence Fishburne, describes the Matrix.  I’ll show part of the clip and then we’ll discuss it and then I will show the rest of the clip before we break into groups.  

Show Clip:
Scene 8, set your counter to 25:10.  The scene begins with Trinity ushering Neo into the office of Morpheus.  You will end the clip at 29:48.  (NOTE:  Be prepared to PAUSE the clip after Morpheus’ first speech.  He ends with the question to Neo, “Do you know what I am talking about?”) 

Key Dialogue:

Morpheus:  Do you believe in fate, Neo?

Neo:  No

Morpheus:  Why not?

Neo:  Because I don’t like the idea I’m not in control of my own life.

Morpheus:  I know exactly what you mean.  Let me tell you why you are here.  You are here because you know something.  What you know can’t be explained, but you feel it.  You felt it your entire life.  Something is wrong with the world.  You don’t know what it is but it’s there; like a splinter in your mind, driving you mad.  It is this feeling that has brought you to me.  Do you know what I am talking about?  

PAUSE CLIP HERE.

Transition Statement:
Morpheus is talking about the Matrix in this science fiction movie, but it sounds like he is talking about something supernatural or spiritual; a feeling he thinks Neo has.  

Optional Large Group Discussion Questions:

Neo feels something is wrong with the world.  In real life a lot of people feel that same way.  In the clip, Neo’s feeling drew him toward Morpheus for answers.  
A.) What do people feel is wrong with the world today?  
B.) How does God use those feelings to draw people toward Jesus? 

We’ll watch the rest of the clip and then discuss Neo’s choice in our small groups.

START CLIP

Neo: (answering Morpheus’ question) The Matrix

Morpheus:  Do you want to know what it is? The Matrix is everywhere; it’s all around us, even now, in this very room.  You can see it.  When you look out your window or when you turn on your television.  You can feel it; when you go to work, when you go to church, when you pay your taxes.  IT IS THE WORLD THAT HAS BEEN PULLED OVER YOUR EYES TO BLIND YOU FROM THE TRUTH. 

Neo:  What truth? 

Morpheus:  You are a slave Neo; like everyone else.  You were born into bondage, into a prison that you can not smell or taste or touch; a prison for your mind.  No one can be told what the Matrix is; you have to see it for yourself.  This is your last chance.  After this there is no turning back.  You take the blue pill and the story ends.  You will wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want.  You take the red pill and you stay in “Wonderland” and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes.  (Neo takes the red pill.) Remember, all I am offering is the truth. 

Wrap Up:
Neo had a choice. Take the blue pill and he goes back to the pretend world where he won't know any different. Take the red pill; he will find out the truth (no matter how uncomfortable it might be!).  We face the same kind of choice every moment of every day.  We either seek out God and the true life He has planned for us or we ignore the truth.  Maybe we choose our sports, or our families.  Sometimes people even choose to ACT like Christians without really KNOWING Jesus intimately and trusting Him with life.  That is not truth.  We have to be willing to search like Neo did. Ask questions when we don’t understand; seek leadership when we doubt; find fellowship with other believers when we feel lost.  Paul tells us in this passage that if we continue to serve created things rather than the Creator, the Creator will turn us over to our own desires. 

I challenge you to choose the truth.