The Blues Brothers: How Jake and Elwood Handle Chaos and Keep Faith

Written By Paul McDonald

n the 1986 film "Blues Brothers," Jake and Elwood find themselves in chaotic situations time and time again. From car chases to confrontations with the law, their faith in each other and their mission never wavers. No matter how dire the circumstances may seem, they always manage to keep their cool and handle the chaos with style and grace. Their unflappable faith in themselves and each other is what ultimately leads them to success, despite the odds stacked against them. In a world filled with uncertainty and unpredictability, Jake and Elwood serve as a reminder that having faith in oneself and staying true to one's beliefs can help navigate through any storm. So next time you find yourself facing chaos and uncertainty, remember the example set by the Blues Brothers - stay true to your beliefs, keep the faith, and you just might come out on top.

The Quotes

  • God knows what will connect with each of us.

  • Being on a mission from God involves a lot of work and no shortage of problems.

  • Chaos is part of the miracle. We should learn to be more comfortable in the chaos.

  • Wherever you lose yourself in something, you give in to the chaos.

  • Every follower of Jesus should have the life’s motto of, “I’m on a mission from God.”

  • Chaos can’t create, it can only distort creations.

  • Chaos will take us to the point where we lose the ability to bullshit.

 Themes

  • The unflappability of faith

    • When you’re on a mission from God, nothing can stop you.

    • Faith sees a way when there appears to be no other choice.

    • Expecting that things would work out in the end.

    • Starts with seeing the light, the power of the calling we have been given.

    • Walking in faith will bring greater community.

    • We allow others to see the light inside of us when we share our purpose.

  • Chaos will be a part of the journey

    • Allowing the momentum to guide us instead of fighting the way we think things should go.

    • Bringing the creation power of God into the chaos.

    • Can fight it or give in to it. God offers a third way.

    • The key is to not allow the chaos inside of us.

    • Chaos can take us to the point where we let Jesus take over.

Resources

Questions

  • What does it mean to have faith? What does it look like?

  • How do the Blues Brothers reveal their faith?

  • How do you react when your calling is attacked by chaos?

  • How do you try to find God in the chaos?

  • How do you resist the chaos, instead of using it’s momentum to guide you?

  • Ho w have you gone with the flow and seen positive results from what looked like chaos?

  • When have you gotten to the point where all your stuff doesn’t work anymore?

  • What would your life look like if you had the faith of the Blues brothers?

More info

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Edited and mixed by Grayson Foster

Logo and episode templates by Ian Johnston

Audio quotes performed by Britt Mooney, Paul McDonald, and Tim Willard, taken from Epic (written by John Eldredge) and Song of Albion (written by Stephen Lawhead).

Southerly Change performed by Zane Dickinson, used under license from Shutterstock.

Links:

Paul McDonald
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