SERIES TITLE
At The Movies The Bucket List
At The Movies Week 5
SERIES OVERVIEW
Bring a friend, grab some popcorn, find a seat… you’re at the movies! Each week we’ll learn how God uses characters and storylines from the big screen to inspire positive change. Journey with us through some of Hollywood’s most impactful films and experience God’s purpose for you in a fun and fresh way. Our At the Movies series is only viewable on an Eastside campus. For times and directions, please choose a location near you.
SERMON TITLE
Bucket List
Sermon Summary
The Bucket List follows two terminally ill men, billionaire Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) and mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman), who meet in a hospital and bond over their shared desire to complete a list of things they want to do before they die. Realizing time is short, they embark on a global adventure to fulfill their “bucket list,” which includes skydiving, visiting the pyramids, and driving race cars. Along the way, they confront their own regrets, fears, and perspectives on life, deepening their friendship. Ultimately, the film touches on some powerful spiritual themes that followers of Jesus have to grapple with in their own lives in significant ways.
WARM UP
What’s on your Bucket List?
DISCUSSion
Select 5-6 questions from the list below to guide your discussion time.
- Read James 4:14 – The Bucket List focuses on two men trying to complete their life goals before they “vanish.” How does this verse’s perspective on life’s brevity compare to the characters’ attitudes in the film? How might it change your own approach to life?
- Read Proverbs 20:5 – In The Bucket List, the main characters learn about each other’s deeper motivations and desires. How can we, like the characters, practice drawing out the “deep waters” of others’ hearts? Why is this important?
- Read Colossians 4:5-6 – The characters in The Bucket List encounter various people during their journey. How can we, in our daily lives, make the most of our interactions with others, especially those who may not share our beliefs?
- Read 1 Peter 3:15 – Having a Bucket List speaks to both our mortality and sense of purpose in life. How can we be prepared to share our own source of hope when faced with life’s big questions, as the characters in the film were?
- Read Proverbs 22:1 – The movie explores the idea of legacy. How does this verse’s emphasis on a good name relate to the theme of leaving a lasting impact, as portrayed in the film? What does it mean to have a “good name” in today’s world? What do you want your legacy to be?
- Read 1 John 2:1-2 – The Bucket List deals with themes of reconciliation and making amends. How does the concept of Jesus reconciling us to God relate to the idea of seeking forgiveness and reconciliation with others?
WRAP UP & PRAYER
- Ask for any prayer requests within the group.
- Pray for the collective legacy represented by those in the group.
- Pray for a Bucket List type of goal that you would still like to reach in your lifetime.
- Pray for the impact of Christ’s work in you to affect those you love this week.