A Little Fish and a Big God: Finding Nemo and the Prodigal Son

My sister and I just watched Finding Nemo for the, ahem, first time. (I know, I know, it’s a classic, please don’t hate us.)

But we really enjoyed it, and last night after we finished it, my sister said to me, “It’s kind of like a Prodigal Son/parallel to Jesus story, you know?”

“How?” I asked. I was a little dense last night.

She started explaining, and my eyes got wide. I think she was a little astonished at my ecstatic reaction until I exclaimed, “I’ve been wondering what to blog about!”

Yes. I get excited about these things.

But really, parallels do abound in this little movie. A young son who gets fed up with his father and runs away…only to land in big trouble. A father who never gives up on him…though Marlin’s unwearying search for little Nemo brings to mind even more the shepherd searching for his lost sheep in that same set of parables Jesus told. Relentless, unwavering, pursuing through countless dangers and hardships, never giving up “until he finds it.”

That is God’s heart toward His children. Our Father’s heart toward us. 

As we approach this Father’s Day, I’m thankful for my loving and faithful human Daddy. I know many do not have that. But whatever our relationships with our earthly fathers have been, I hope this weekend turns our hearts toward the Father who ultimately gave us life, and the depth and height of His love that pursues us, even when the trouble we’re in is of our own making.

I’m so thankful His grace isn’t based on what I deserve, just as Marlin’s love for little Nemo wasn’t. He pursued him and constantly risked his life just because Nemo was his son…and he loved him.

The Return of the Prodigal Son by Murillo

“He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.
For He Himself knows our frame;
He is mindful that we are but dust.”

~Psalm 103:10-14

What are some movies you think of around Father’s Day? What stories remind you of our Father’s love for us? Please comment and share!