The Karate Kid with Paul McDonald and Britt Mooney
Paul McDonald and Britt Mooney talk about the 1984 movie Karate Kid. In Daniel, we see ourselves—a flawed individual who longs for a mentor to make sense of the world we live in. But without a battle, there’s no need for discipleship. We see that the real enemy isn’t Johnny Lawrence, but John Kreese. Mr. Miyagi has a father’s heart for Daniel as he prepares him for the fight. But, like Daniel, we must understand that discipleship and training may look more like household chores. Pick up your car wax, and practice your crane kicks, and let’s discover God’s truth in this movie.
Quotes
There’s no need for discipleship without a battle.
We are in a world of chaos and feel like God is absent.
Good writing doesn’t always give you a likable character, but always presents an interesting and relatable character.
If he doesn’t go to California and have a broken faucet, he isn’t forced to find the father figure his life is lacking.
You will not be mentored or discipled by a book.
“There’s no bad student, only bad teacher. Teacher say, student do.”
Jesus was active, but he was always at rest.
The best way to lose a battle is to do it halfway.
We want to believe someone with a father’s heart is preparing us for the fight that we will face. But a lot of times, it feels like we’re doing household chores while he’s off fishing.
Themes
We all long for a mentor, someone who can make sense of the world we live in. Someone who believes in us and sees our potential.
Daniel has flaws so that we can relate to them. Daniel may have contributed to the fights, brought them on himself—but so do we. Our actions, especially out of fatherlessness, lead to consequences and battles. We bring these things on ourselves and blame God for it.
The actual villain in the movie is John Kreese.
Daniel has a need for a father, and Mr. Miyagi has a need for a son. It takes a battle and brokenness to get him to seek out the person he needs. We have a need for a mentor, and we have a desire to share what we’ve learned with others.
Information is passed down father to son, mentor to disciple.
The way of the world is to strike first, strike hard. Work harder, do more, get what you need first (think toilet paper, gasoline, covid tests) - whatever it takes to get ahead.
How to find rest for your soul. It’s active, not matai’s by the beach.
It’s compassion that pulls Mr. Miyagi into Daniel’s story.
Being trained and discipled rarely looks like we think it will. It looks like service, and requires our patient submission and humility. It takes commitment because we are in a battle for our hearts and souls.
Resources
God’s Adoption for the Fatherless: 7-day devotional - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/29400-gods-adoption-for-the-fatherless
Jordon Peterson: “No one gets away with anything” video
YouTube channel: Dad, how do I?
When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.
“But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” -Matthew 5:39 (ESV)
“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” -Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)
“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.” -1 Peter 5:7-10 (NLT)
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” -Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
“…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” -Matthew 20:29, Mark 10:45 (NIV)
“…lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” -Ephesians 4:1-3 (NLT)
“He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold as a servant. His feet they hurt with fetters; he was laid in chains of iron and his soul entered into the iron. Until his word [to his cruel brothers] came true, until the word of the Lord tried and tested him. The king sent and loosed him, even the ruler of the peoples, and let him go free. He made Joseph lord of his house and ruler of all his substance, To bind his princes at his pleasure and teach his elders wisdom.” -Psalm 105:17-22 (AMPC)
Questions
How have you been mentored?
Who have you mentored/discipled?
Whose disciple are you?
Where have you paid for mistakes in the past? What consequences did you face for your actions?
How is God training you, preparing you like Mr. Miyagi trained Daniel? How does it look different than you would do it?
Where is your balance found? How secure is your foundation?
Where do you see yourself as a Cobra Kai--strike first, strike hard, no mercy? How does the world encourage those tactics?
Where do you feel on the offensive? Or do you take a more patient, defensive posture?