Sermon Illustrations from Invictus (2009)

As Nelson Mandela struggled for decades to survive in a South African prison, few ever expected that he would become the president of that nation. Once elected, Mandela steers a course toward reconciliation between the factions tearing the country apart, and he chooses, as one of his paths is through sport. The national rugby team, the Springboks, are loathed by many black South Africans as symbols of oppression. But the Springbucks are loved by the white South Africans as a symbol of their nation. Mandela invites Francois Pienaar, captain of the Springboks, to join forces with him and use the upcoming World Cup as a means to bring the country together.

Movie's Sermon General's Warning:
Invictus contains a brief instance of strong language.

Rating: PG-13 Genre: Historical/Epic

FilmTalk Card - How well do you perform as an ambassador of Christ?

Invictus can stimulate discussions about forgiveness and reconciliation, the risks real leaders must take, and the importance of exceeding our own expectations. Invictus can also inspire talk about what it takes to be an ambassador for Christ, and what to look for when choosing a hero.

Illustration # 1

Clip: Reconciliation

Scene Setup: Nelson Mandela's head of security is incensed when, after requesting more men, he discovers that the bodyguards sent to his office are white men from the apartheid regime of the former president.

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Illustration # 2

Clip: Leadership

Scene Setup: Though only recently elected president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela must take a strong stand against a populist movement to strip the national rugby team of its historic identity.

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Illustration # 3

Clip: Inspiration

Scene Setup: South African President Nelson Mandela has invited Springbok rugby captain Francois Pienaar to come to his office to talk about the World Cup rugby championship and the fate of their nation.

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Illustration # 4

Clip: Rugby

Scene Setup: The Springboks -- South Africa's nearly all white national rugby team -- has been sent out into the townships by President Nelson Mandela as one means to heal racial divides and reunite the country.

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