Chronicles of Narnia, The – A Forgiven Past

The Movie Clip: “What’s done is done.”

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was a bestseller before it was a blockbuster. The movie was based off of C. S. Lewis’ children’s novel written in 1950. Set in England in 1940 when World War II was ravaging most of Europe, the story follows the four Pevensie children as they discover another war-torn world hidden in a closet.

Introducing the Clip:
Before we watch this clip, you need to know that one of the four siblings, Edmund, has recently betrayed his family and followed after the evil witch. Even though he has been disobedient, King Aslan sends his forces to rescue Edmund from the clutches of the evil witch. This scene takes place immediately after Edmund has been rescued, but before Edmund is reunited with his family. Now that you’ve been brought up to speed, let’s see how King Aslan treats Edmund the “traitor.”

Scene Script:

BEGIN CLIP AT 1 hour 27 minutes and 51 seconds (in Chapter 15).

The scene begins immediately after Edmund is rescued from the witch. We see Aslan talking with Edmund on the hill just before they return to the group. As their private conversation ends, Aslan and Edmund walk back down to camp.

Lucy: Edmund! (Peter quiets her. We see Aslan nod to Edmund to rejoin the group. Edmund begins walking into the camp towards his siblings. He looks sorrowful and ashamed.)

Aslan: What’s done is done. There is no need to speak with Edmond about his past. (Everyone seems a little surprised by this at first. But they trust Aslan, so they welcome Edmond back gladly.)

Edmund: Hello. (He says this with his head down. Lucy steps towards him and hugs him, grateful he is alive.)

Susan: (Steps forward to also hug Edmund.) Are you alright?

Edmund: I’m a little tired.

Peter: Get some sleep. And Edmond… (smiling) try not to wander off!

Transitional Statement:
Wow! Not only did King Aslan forgive Edmund’s betrayal, he also commanded that others forgive him, as well. Edmund committed very serious crimes that should have resulted in his death, but instead of punishment, he received forgiveness from the king. When King Aslan forgave Edmund, that settled it. Let’s spend the next few minutes looking at how we can be forgiven.

Divide into Small Groups:
Let’s go ahead and split up into our discussion groups, and then afterward we’ll come back together for a final word.

CLICK HERE for a quick training article on how to maximize your small groups using our small group format—a great resource to equip your small group leaders.

Discussion Questions:

1. AROUND THE CIRCLE: As we begin, let’s all take a second to share our names and say which animal is our favorite and why.


2. ASK A FEW: Earlier in the movie, the evil Witch lured Edmund to be a traitor by showing him respect that his siblings didn’t and giving him the yummy Turkish Delight snacks. Are those good enough reasons to betray your family and/or friends?


3. ASK SOMEONE: After Edmund discovered that the Witch was simply using him, he had a change of heart and was rescued by Aslan’s forces. How do you think he felt when he was returning to the group he had betrayed?


4. ASK A FEW: We aren’t told what Aslan said to Edmund about his past betrayal while they were talking on the hill. What do you think Aslan said to him?


5. ASK SOMEONE: When Aslan returned to the group with Edmund, what did he instruct everyone to do about Edmund. (To not talk about his past.)


6. ASK A FEW: Why do you think Aslan did this?

Read the following passage:

Luke 19:1-10 (NLT)
Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. [2] There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was one of the most influential Jews in the Roman tax-collecting business, and he had become very rich. [3] He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowds. [4] So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree beside the road, so he could watch from there.
[5] When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! For I must be a guest in your home today.”
[6] Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. [7] But the crowds were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.
[8] Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have overcharged people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”
[9] Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a son of Abraham. [10] And I, the Son of Man, have come to seek and save those like him who are lost.”


7. ASK SOMEONE: Zacchaeus was a Jewish tax collector, who made his living collecting taxes for the Romans. In those days, tax collectors were known for ripping off their own people so they could become rich themselves. Knowing that Zacchaeus did this, would you label him a traitor or not? Why?


8. ASK SOMEONE: According to this passage, was Zacchaeus a very popular guy? What did everyone think of him?


9. ASK A FEW: Do you think that Jesus knew Zacchaeus was an unpopular, sinful, rip-off artist?


10. ASK SOMEONE: How did Jesus respond to Zacchaeus? In other words, what did Jesus do for Zacchaeus? (He asked him to eat dinner with Him and told Zacchaeus He had come to save him.)


11. ASK SOMEONE: Just like Aslan showed love and forgiveness to Edmund in Narnia, Jesus showed love and forgiveness to Zacchaeus in Jericho. What was Zacchaeus’ response to that kind of love and forgiveness?


12. ASK A FEW: Do you think it was hard for Edmund’s family to take him back? Do you think it was hard for Zacchaeus’ friends to take him back? Why or why not?


13. AROUND THE CIRCLE: What would your response have been if you were in the crowd with Jesus and Zacchaeus that day?


14. ASK A FEW: Do you think Jesus is still willing to forgive traitors? Why or why not?


15. AROUND THE CIRCLE: Since we don’t want to be like the crowd around Zacchaeus that day, what will you do this coming week to make sure you are willing to forgive those that Jesus is willing to forgive?

Tonight some of us may want that kind of forgiveness. If that’s you, just talk to me or another one of our adult leaders after we pray. Let’s pray together right now.

Close in Prayer.