Toy Story was the first ever feature length CG (Computer Generated) movie. It started a revolution, which eventually lead to the majority of animated films being made by this technology compared with Hand-Drawn animation. Toy Story also led to a full trilogy of high-quality films, which is very rare in animated film-making.
Andy is a little boy who loves his toys, all of them. Woody is the toy that Andy likes to play with most, but Woody’s quick to point out to the others, “This isn’t about getting played with; it’s about being there for Andy when he needs us.” When Buzz comes along and gets more playtime, Woody becomes jealous and forgets his own words.
As Christians, we can relate to this because Jesus loves His people, all of them. When we look at the relationship of Christ as the Head of the Church and remember that He is the vine and we are the branches, we see it all from a different perspective. As members of the Body of Christ, we know that, “those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable”. Even though some members of the Body may seem cool, like Buzz, and some not so cool, like Rex, each has his role to play.
In the film, Buzz does not even realize he is a toy at first. Eventually when he finds out that he really isn’t a Space Ranger that can fly with lasers and missions, he feels like he’s “a stupid little insignificant toy.” He felt like he went from being a true super hero to being completely powerless; he felt worthless. That is, until Woody points out, “Over in that house is a kid who thinks you are the greatest, and it’s not because you’re a Space Ranger, pal, it’s because you’re a TOY! You are HIS toy.” Buzz looks at his foot and sees where Andy had written his name on it.
When we stop looking at everyone else, and envying their spiritual gifts, or even physical gifts, and start to look at Jesus, then we’ll realize how there’s no reason to be jealous. God has done more than just written His name on our foot… He wrote our name on His hand!
On his own, Buzz really is just a toy, but when he’s in Andy’s hands, he’s a Super Hero Space Ranger that can do anything. And after seeing how badly Sid treats his toys, both Woody and Buzz learn how wonderful it is to be Andy’s toys. More importantly, when we realize that on our own we are powerless, but in the hands of Jesus we can do all things, we can see why ultimately Buzz was so happy to be Andy’s toy.
Discussion Questions:
- Just like Andy loves his toys, Jesus loves us. In fact, Jesus loves us even more. Sid doesn’t love his toys. Aren’t you glad that Jesus is kind and gentle, like Andy and not mean and rough like Sid? (Matthew 11:29)
- Buzz is only a plastic toy, but when Andy plays with him, Buzz becomes a real hero! In a similar way, we are more than just children when we are in Jesus’ hands! How does Jesus make you stronger? (Philippians 4:13)
- Sometimes we might get jealous of other people because we think they are smarter or prettier or stronger than we are. Maybe we might think God loves them more than us, instead of looking at others, we should look at Jesus. (Hebrews 12:2)
- Andy writes his name on his toys to show they belong to him. How do we know we belong to Jesus? (2 Corinthians 1:22)