The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
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- SESSION 1: JUNE 2 - Begin 0:00 End 26:30 BIG GROUP LEADER WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
- WATCH THE MOVIE: Start at 0:00 and end at 26:30. SMALL GROUPS
- BIG GROUP LEADER CLOSING
- SESSION 2: JUNE 9 th - Start 26:34 End 50:23 BIG GROUP LEADER WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
- Watch the Movie: Start 26:34 End 50:23 SMALL GROUPS Beginning Activity
- SESSION 3: June 16 th Start - 50:23 End - 1:16:51 BIG GROUP LEADER WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
- WATCH THE MOVIE: Start - 50:23 End - 1:16:51 SMALL GROUPS OPENING ACTIVITY: TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE
- SESSION 4 – June 23 rd Start - 1:16:53 End - 1:46:09 BIG GROUP LEADER WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
- WATCH THE MOVIE: Start - 1:16:53 End - 1:46:09 SMALL GROUPS OPENING ACTIVITY: GOOD VS. EVIL
- SESSION 5 June 30 th Start - 1:46:10 End – Conclusion of Movie BIG GROUP LEADER WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
- WATCH THE MOVIE Start - 1:46:10 End – Conclusion of Movie SMALL GROUPS
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Leader’s Discussion Guide The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Walt Disney Pictures’ special-effects-filled adaptation of C. S. Lewis’s classic fantasy about four British children who step through a magical wardrobe into the land of Narnia. Lewis’s story is a tale rich with metaphors that reflect our sinful failures and God’s endeavors to save us from their consequences. This study will explore the ways in which the adventures of the four Pevensie children in Narnia illustrate humankind’s corruption and sinful behavior, the role of conscience, the power of trust, the value of forgiveness, and the way that Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection liberate us from death’s curse. Movie SummaryThe Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe embellishes C. S. Lewis’s simple storytelling to create a robust, visually enthralling epic of good versus evil. Viewers follow the adventures of four British children who take refuge in the home of a professor during the German attacks on London in World War II. There, they discover a magical wardrobe that acts as a gateway to another world—Narnia. In Narnia, young Lucy befriends a gentle faun named Mr. Tumnus, who is tormented by his own misdeeds in service of the wicked White Witch. The witch, he informs Lucy, keeps Narnia frozen in winter, without any Christmas. Tumnus warns Lucy to beware of the witch and her minions. When Lucy’s siblings join her in Narnia, her brother Edmund, who has a weakness for the witch’s Turkish Delight, betrays his siblings. Soon, he is her prisoner, while Peter, Susan, and Lucy flee the witch’s wolves with the help of Mr. and Mrs. Beaver. After thrillingly narrow escapes and an encounter with Father Christmas, the children are introduced to Aslan, a fantastic lion who happens to be the returning rightful ruler of Narnia. As he walks again in these lands, the winter melts before him, and the witch goes into a rage. To free Edmund from the witch’s legal right to execute him, Aslan makes a secret pact with the witch. After Edmund is free, Aslan goes to the witch to pay the debt with his own life. This leaves the children to unite with Aslan’s followers for a final battle against the deceitful witch and her barbaric hoard, but Aslan has not left them defenseless. The war for Narnia will be intense and full of surprises. SESSION 1: JUNE 2 - Begin 0:00 End 26:30 BIG GROUP LEADER WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION Welcome all the youth and adults and express your excitement for them being here and for our upcoming series. ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRAYER – Open the group in prayer. INTRODUCTION For the next few weeks, we will be watching the movie, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. C.S Lewis’s story is a tale full of metaphors that reflect our sinful failures and God’s efforts to save us from their consequences. This study will explore the ways in which the adventures of the four Pevensie children in Narnia illustrate humankind’s corruption and sinful behavior, the role of conscience, the power of trust, the value of forgiveness, and the way that Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection liberate us from death’s curse. Today we will watch the first 26 minutes of the movie and then break into small groups for some discussion and activities. Each week we will watch the next part of the movie and discuss how this applies to our faith and our everyday lives. If you miss a week, do not worry. Each week we will start with a summary of what happened the previous week, so you will be able to keep up with the story. WATCH THE MOVIE: Start at 0:00 and end at 26:30. SMALL GROUPS Divide into small groups by age. Make sure there is at least one adult for each small group. Groups should be between 4 and 8 people. Do not go larger than 8 if you can help it. Opening Activity: Supplies: Chart paper or poster board and markers/pens Draw four outlines: one for each of the Pevensie children. Draw a vertical line down the middle of each. Label one half “Strengths” and the other “Weaknesses.” Instruct your group to write or draw things on each cutout to represent that character’s strengths and weaknesses. (Peter, Edmund, Susan, Lucy) When finished, talk about each character. Have students relay specific scenes or examples from the movie so far that illustrate the listed qualities. DISCUSSION
Leader’s Note: Peter has a short temper and is easily provoked to anger at Edmund. But because he’s been charged with watching over his siblings, he reluctantly attempts to behave as an adult and a leader. This responsibility unnerves him, and he must learn to accept responsibility with courage, setting an example. Susan’s strength is her intellect, but the film suggests that she lets her intellect become an obstacle to action. She is so eager to think a situation through that she will not move forward when circumstances demand it. Edmund is arrogant, quick to anger, and self-absorbed. He has much to learn about cooperation, love, honesty, and humility. Lucy is full of child-like wonder. She is focused on the wide world around her that she is quick to forgive and show grace. She is also quick to have faith in things that seem impossible.
Leader’s Note: Edmund seems angry because of his father’s absence and bitter that he has so little control over his own circumstances. He is also very self-focused.
SCRIPTURES Read Proverbs 20:3 and Hebrews 12:14–15.
Is Peter ready for the responsibility that his mother gives him? How does he change? Can you point to a single event in your life and say “Yeah, I grew up a lot there”? It seems strange that Mr. Tumnus would serve the White Witch while he knows that she keeps Narnia frozen in winter. Why do you think he helps her? Read Romans 7:15–23. What is the writer of these verses, Paul, wrestling with here? How is he comparable to Tumnus? Leader’s Note: Paul writes about wrestling with sin in his own life. He says he serves the law of God with his mind but with his flesh he serves the law of sin. He says he is a slave to sin. He, like Tumnus, knows it is wrong—but he still does it. He can’t help it. DISCUSSION
BIG GROUP LEADER CLOSING Give small groups a 5 minute and 2 minute warning to wrap up discussion. Call the group back together as a large group. Invite prayer requests and invite a youth to pray for the group. (If no one volunteers, you may select someone or pray yourself). Tell youth you hope to see them back next week!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRAYER – Open in prayer or invite a youth to pray. WEEK 1 SYNOPSIS Last week we began our adventure into Narnia. Here is what happened… During World War II, the Pevensie children; Lucy, Susan, Edward, and Peter leave are evacuated to escape the city bombings. They are sent to live in a strange house owned by a mysterious professor. One day as they are playing hide and seek, Lucy hides in what she finds to be a magic wardrobe that takes her to the land of Narnia. Lucy meets Mr. Tumnus, a fawn who brings her to his home for tea. Mr. Tumnus informs Lucy that Narnia has been experiencing winter for 100 years as a punishment from the White Witch. When Lucy wakes from a nap a saddened and guilt-ridden Mr. Tumnus tells her that he is kidnapping her and taking her to the White Witch, who has promised that if someone brings her a human that she will lift the curse. However, Mr. Tumnus cannot go through with betraying his new friend and helps Lucy back to the wardrobe so she can return home. Lucy stumbles from the wardrobe to learn that although she has been in Narnia for several hours, it has only been a few seconds back home. She reveals her adventure to her older brothers and sisters who do not believe her wild tale. Watch the Movie: Start 26:34 End 50:23 SMALL GROUPS Beginning Activity Bring in a candy bar that has melted and then hardened again. (You can melt it by leaving it in your car.) Play a game where there will be one winner. Tell them that they are competing to win the candy bar. Examples of Games you could play
Award the prize to the winner. Hopefully the candy will be pretty much ruined and gross. Ask the Winner: How do you feel about your prize? Ask the Others: How do you feel about not having won this prize? Sometimes, things that tempt us by looking very appealing don’t turn out that way.
Read Genesis 3:1–24. Invite several youth to read 6-8 verses each out loud to the group. DISCUSSION
Leader’s Note: The serpent told Eve that the fruit would actually give her wisdom. The White Witch promises Edmund glory and lots of desserts.
Read James 4: 7–10.
Leader’s Note: The verses say to submit to God (or confess and give ourselves to God) instead of running from the sin, and to resist the devil and humbly come to God for forgiveness.
The professor tells Peter and Susan they have three options when it comes deciding what to believe about Lucy and her story of Narnia. What are they? She’s crazy/mad. She’s lying. She’s telling the truth.
When the children ask Beaver “What is Aslan like?” The Beaver says “He’s like everything we ever heard.”
Read Isaiah 9:1-7 and Matthew 3:1-12
Eat Turkish Delight Edmund was first tempted by the witch and enticed into betraying his siblings with the promise of all the sweets he could ever want, specifically Turkish Delight. We are going to take a brief break in our conversation to taste this treat for ourselves! Allow everyone to try the treat and share what they think about it. Leader Note: Tracy Alverides (9:00) and Lisa Thornton (10:30) will be bringing in Turkish Delight. Read James 1: 13–15. How does Edmund get “dragged away and enticed” by his own desires?
BIG GROUP LEADER CLOSING Give small groups a 5 minute and 2 minute warning to wrap up discussion. Call the group back together as a large group. Invite prayer requests and invite a youth to pray for the group. (If no one volunteers, you may select someone or pray yourself). Tell youth you hope to see them back next week!
You will need: 3 Envelopes of unflavored gelatin. 1/8 tsp salt 1 cup water I tbs. Lemon juice 1 tbs. Orange juice. Powdered sugar.
Add water Bring to slow boil and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes Remove from heat and stir in juice Pour into 8 inch square pan. Chill overnight. Cut into squares and roll in powdered sugar. The White Witch tempts Edmund by offering him things that seem good. But instead of reward, he gets a rotten deal. His own weaknesses led him right into her clutches. SESSION 3: June 16th Start - 50:23 End - 1:16:51 BIG GROUP LEADER WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION Welcome all the youth and adults and express your excitement for them being here and for our upcoming series. ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRAYER – Open in prayer or invite a youth to pray. WEEK 2 SYNOPSIS Edmund follows Lucy into the wardrobe where he enters Narnia. He encounters the “Queen of Narnia” who entices him with food, drink, and the opportunity for glory and power. She offers an invitation to Edmund to visit her home. Lucy appears telling Edmund that the queen is really the “White Witch” and is not the real ruler or Narnia. Lucy and Edmund return home through the wardrobe. Lucy tries to convince her older siblings of the reality of Narnia, but Edmund lies saying it was imaginary. The children encounter The Professor, the mysterious owner of the house who encourages them to consider Lucy may be telling the truth. Hiding in the wardrobe to avoid punishment for a broken window, all four Pevensies enter Narnia. After discovering Lucy’s friend Mr. Tumnus has been arrested by the “Queen” for being associated with humans, they encounter a talking beaver. Mr. Beaver takes them to his home where he tells them of the history of Narnia, and it’s true king, Aslan. He informs the kids that they are the ones prophesied to rescue Narnia from the White Witch. Protesting the claim they are heroes, the children stand up to leave Narnia when they realize Edmund has run off. WATCH THE MOVIE: Start - 50:23 End - 1:16:51 SMALL GROUPS OPENING ACTIVITY: TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE
#1 "My uncle studies beetles and named one after me." #2 "Over seven summers in high school and college, my father and I hiked the entire Appalachian Trail." #3 "Two summers ago my family took our vacation to Ohio for a family reunion. There were 237 relatives there.
DISCUSSION
Leader’s Note: Edmund was focused on the false promises of the White Witch, which blinded him to the evidence that the witch intended to do harm to his siblings. Companies spend billions of dollars each year on commercials and other advertisements. Many companies will spend millions of dollars researching young people like yourself to find out what you like and what it will take for them to get you to buy their product.
Leader’s Note: Center the discussion on how advertisers use appeals to our pride, our desire for money and popularity, and our appetite to sell us things.
The Witch represents evil, a devil figure. She makes sin seem appealing.
Throughout the movie today, there were signs of hope in the midst of despair. Hope that Aslan, the God figure was coming to save his people and end the White Witch’s reign of evil.
Leader Note: The Fox calling Edmund “your majesty” and being willing to die to serve Aslan. Father Christmas has returned after 100 year absence. The ice melting. The trees blooming.
Leader Note: The appearance of Father Christmas signifies hope in the story of Narnia. His appearance is the first sign that the Witch’s powers are failing. In Narnia it is now always winter but sometimes Christmas. From a biblical perspective, Christmas is the celebration of Christ’s birthday. The fact that Father Christmas appears means that evil is no longer able to suppress joy and hope in Narnia. With the return of Christmas joy and celebration begin to return to Narnia. Father Christmas also gives the three children magical gifts that shift the balance of the battle in favor of the forces of good. Each of the Children receive a gift from Father Christmas
Read Ephesians 6:10-18
Ending Activity: Give each student a note card and a pen. Have the students write what tools/weapons/protection God given them to resist evil and stand up for what is right.
Invite prayer requests and invite a youth to pray for the group. (If no one volunteers, you may select someone or pray yourself). Tell youth you hope to see them back next week!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRAYER – Open in prayer or invite a youth to pray. WEEK 3 SYNOPSIS Edmund goes to the castle to see the White Witch. Instead of being made prince as she promised, he is imprisoned. The White Witch sends her wolf guard to find the siblings. Peter, Susan, and Lucy flee with Mr. and Mrs. Beaver. They encounter a Fox that informs them Aslan is assembling an army to take on the White Witch. While in prison Edmund meets Mr. Tumnus who is subsequently frozen. In order to spare his own life, Edmund tells the witch of Aslan’s coming and promises to take her to him. The witch sets out in pursuit of the children. The Pevensies encounter Father Christmas who tells them the hope they have brought to Narnia has brought back Christmas after 100 year absence. He gives each child a gift to prepare them for their upcoming battle. The children square off with the queen’s wolf guard on a frozen river but are spared when the ice breaks free. As they pull themselves from the river they notice tress blooming and snow melting. Spring has come announcing the arrival of Aslan to Narnia.
Good vs. Evil is the prevalent theme of this portion of the movie. Take a large piece of paper and draw a line down the middle. On one side write “Good” and on the other “Evil.” Try to come up with as many Good vs. Evil pairs as you can. These can be real or fictional.
Invite small groups to share their lists with the Big Group. Back in small groups, have your small group select 2-3 pairs to discuss.
Aslan, the God figure in this movie sacrifices his own life for Edmund’s. In any of your pairs, does the good person offer a sacrifice in his/her stand against evil? MOVIE DISCUSSION There are many examples in the portion of the movie we watched today that mirror or parallel the story of Jesus in the Bible.
Leaders Note: Aslan taking Edmunds punishment upon himself, Aslan laying down his authority to be subject to punishment, Aslan saying “I was there when the law was written” is like God’s eternal nature, Aslan being shaved is like Christ being humiliated by the guards, Aslan being executed. Other similarities include: He was innocent He took blame on himself to save someone who could not save themselves He was shaved to be humiliated – Christ was beaten, stripped, and dressed as a king to humiliate him He gave up his power to become subject to punishment and authority Women were on the scene (Susan and Lucy) much like women (Mary and Mary) were at the crucifixion Aslan talks with Edmund privately. He does not roar or seem to get angry at the boy. Then he says “No need to speak about the past.”
Aslan tells the White Witch “I was there when the law was written.” In the book of Job, Job is a righteous man who has suffered greatly. God has allowed Satan to destroy his home, kill his family, and cause him to have physical sickness. Job remained faithful to God, but eventually questions God’s wisdom and authority. God responds to Job. Read Job 38: 1-18
Aslan says “here is a deep magic more powerful than any of us that rules in all of Narnia. It defines right from wrong. It governs all of our destinies, yours and mine.”
Aslan says this must happen “for all our families”. Animals of all species were united under Aslan--even some who would normally be enemies.
The children have a discussion about whether they should go back home or stay and fight. It is Edmund of all people who says that they must stay and help make things right in Narnia.
BIG GROUP LEADER CLOSING Give small groups a 5 minute and 2 minute warning to wrap up discussion. Call the group back together as a large group. Invite prayer requests and invite a youth to pray for the group. (If no one volunteers, you may select someone or pray yourself). Tell youth you hope to see them back next week!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRAYER – Open in prayer or invite a youth to pray. SESSION 4 Synopsis The White Witch learns that Aslan has assembled an army and is preparing for war. Edmund again reveals information to the Witch that endangers his family and Narnia. The Pevensies meet Aslan, the great lion. Aslan tells Peter he is destined to be High King and of the Deep Magic. Edmund escapes the White Witch and come to Aslan. Aslan accepts him and tells the other to as well. The White Witch comes claiming her right to take Edmund’s life for his offenses. Aslan makes a deal with the witch to take Edmund’s place to die on the Stone Table. Aslan is bound, shaved, and killed by the White Witch while Lucy and Susan watch from a distance. WATCH THE MOVIE Start - 1:46:10 End – Conclusion of Movie SMALL GROUPS OPENING ACTIVITY Play a game where you change the rules occasionally during the game to create frustration and confusion. Some game suggestions: Bring from home or select from supplies we will have on hand Sunday morning. UNO – Play normal rules. Once play has begun introduce new rules one at a time such as “draw cards are doubled” or “you can play red on any other color if you are a guy” or “if a guy draws a Wild Draw 4 card, he must pass it to the person on his right.” Introduce new rules whenever you want and remove them as you want. BLACKJACK – The object is to beat the dealer and get closest to 21 without going over. The dealer MUST draw if the total is 16 or under with the original two cards. Dealer stands on 17 or higher. Face cards are worth 10 and Aces are worth either 1 or 11. Introduce a new rule occasionally such as “one-eyed face cards are now worth 12” or “the dealer can decide whether to draw or stand” or “any player other than the dealer who gets a diamond is an automatic bust and loses the round.” OR – Play a favorite game of yours and make up your own rules!
DISCUSSION
In the movie portion we saw today, Aslan changes the rules. Without any charges against him—Aslan takes on the death penalty reserved for Edmund – a lawbreaker. Read Romans 5:6-8
Leader’s Note: God is greater than the law. While we deserve condemnation for breaking the law, he loves us so much that, while we were still sinning against him, he took the punishment upon himself and saves us according to his grace. Aslan secures Edmund’s redemption by making a pact with the White Witch. He will pay the price for Edmund’s unlawful behavior (which is deserving of death) by sacrificing his own life. In doing so, he fulfills the law. But he proves that the law of death is not the last word, and that death is subject to his will. He conquers death and rises again, demonstrating that the witch’s greatest weapon cannot stop him from bringing blessing and honor to his children. Read Matthew 28:1–10 and John 20:11–18
Aslan does not seem to show any mercy whatsoever to the White Witch at the end of the film. (In fact, it appears he kills her)
The children are given titles at the end of the film.
At the end of the film it is said that Aslan is not a tame lion, but he is good.
WRAP-UP DISCUSSION
BIG GROUP LEADER CLOSING Give small groups a 5 minute and 2 minute warning to wrap up discussion. Call the group back together as a large group. Invite prayer requests and invite a youth to pray for the group. (If no one volunteers, you may select someone or pray yourself). Encourage youth to watch the subsequent Narnia films and/or read the C.S. Lewis books. Download 74.78 Kb. Share with your friends:
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