5 Biblical Lessons We Can Learn From THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE (2005)
Quality: ****
Content: +1 Moderately questionable elements – discernment required for young children.
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE is the film adaptation of the beloved book by C.S. Lewis. The plot centers around four siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy, sent to live with Professor Kirke in the English countryside for safety during World War II.
The children travel through a wardrobe that leads to the magical land of Narnia. The White Witch has taken control of the land and seduces Edmund to follow her. His siblings must find Aslan (a mystical lion) to help free their brother and Narnia from her evil grip. The movie is rich with Biblical metaphors and lessons.
Overcome Evil With Good
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21
In the film, the White Witch promises to make Edmund a prince with power, tempting him with enchanted Turkish delight (which he gladly eats). In doing so, he betrays his brother and sisters. While he initially gives in to evil, Edmund’s heart changes as he helps win the battle for Narnia by knocking the wand out of the White Witch’s hand.
Much like Edmund, we are all given a choice to be on the side of good or evil. While the world we live in can be seductive, the words of Romans 12:11 say that Christians must fight evil with good. We renew our hearts and minds by becoming vessels of God’s love. When we take a stand for what is right, it gives us strength in a fallen world.
Forgiveness Is A Gift
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13
Lucy meets a faun named Tumnus upon entering Narnia. When he discovers she’s human, he plans to lure her to sleep by playing his flute and turning her over to the White Witch. Yet. But, as he gets to know Lucy, he changes his mind and confesses his plan. Lucy forgives him without fault, knowing he’s truly sorry.
We can learn a lot from Lucy’s act of forgiveness. The Bible says in Colossians 3:13 that we are to forgive one another as the Lord forgives us. In the end, Lucy and Tomnus are the best of friends. A forgiving heart reflects Christ’s love in us. We should give grace to those who apologize for wrongdoing.
God Prepares Us For Battle
He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You make your saving help my shield, and your right hand sustains me; your help has made me great. Psalms 18:34-35
Aslan pulls Peter aside to reveal that he will one day be “the High King of all the rest.” They hear Susan blow her horn to signal that a wolf is chasing her. Aslan allows Peter to battle the wolf even though he’s never used a sword before. In Aslan’s wisdom, Peter must fight battles to prepare for his leadership position in Narnia.
When we reflect on the words of Psalms 18: 34-35, we see that God also prepares His followers to serve Him in battle. We are not alone when we face challenges and hardships. The Lord uses life’s challenges to strengthen us, but He doesn’t leave us to fight alone. Believers can take comfort in knowing He equips us with His strength.
There Is Power In Redemption
I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you. Isaiah 44:22
While Edmund spends the first half of the movie giving in to the lies of the White Witch, he has a change of heart when Aslan’s followers save him from being killed. Aslan has a long conversation with Edmund, inspiring him to repent from his mistakes and become a hero who helps Aslan slay the White Witch.
It’s never too late to confess our sins and find redemption in Christ. The Bible says in Isaiah 44:22 that our sins are swept away like a cloud. When we seek forgiveness and change our ways, the Lord gives us a clean slate. Just as Edmund has a change of heart, we too can let go of our past and be renewed in God’s eyes.
Jesus Made The Ultimate Sacrifice
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Edmund is labeled a traitor by the White Witch, an act punishable by death. Aslan agrees to sacrifice his own life to pay for Edmund’s mistake. He is bound to the stone table and killed. Yet, unknown to the Witch, Asalan contains a deeper magic that brings him back from the dead.
C.S. Lewis uses Aslan as an allegory for the death and resurrection of Jesus. The Scripture says in John 3:16 that God loves us so much that he sent His son to die for our sins. Yet, Christ’s story doesn’t end in death as he arose from the grave, just as Aslan did in the movie. It’s a beautiful testimony about Jesus making the ultimate sacrifice.
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE carries undeniable Christian symbolism. Luckily, we don’t have to slip through a magic wardrobe but can find lessons within the pages of the Bible. Jesus is waiting there to meet you.
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
