Wicked, based on the musical of the same name, tells an origin story of the character ‘The Wicked Witch of the West’ from the classic movie The Wizard of Oz. The main question of the movie is, “Are people born wicked, or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?” In addition to this question, the Christian is left with much more to consider on topics of empathy, morality, loving our enemies, and more. Use this guide to move through the movie Wicked, jotting down your thoughts as you go, and being ready and willing to share what you hear with your group and/or community! What might God be showing us through this movie? Let’s find out.
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. —2 Corinthians 5:20-21 (NLT)
Please join us in prayer
Jesus, we are your ambassadors. We come today to look for you and see you at work in the world. As we engage in this movie and in reflection, help us to see you, so that we can partner with what you are already doing. Help us to hear you, so that we can listen and step forward in faith. Help us to understand you, so that we may be able to share you with others. Empower us in your Spirit. —Amen
Watch through the movie, either alone or with others. As you watch, use the sections below to jot down what the Spirit brings to your attention, categorized as “Rejoice,” “Reject,” or “Redeem.”
WICKED RUN TIME: 2HR 40M
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Thing about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” —Philippians 4:8 (NLT)
Select the blue square to make notes!
Example: I rejoice in the goodness of icecream because it reminds me to taste and see that the Lord is good (Ps. 34:8)
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” —Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Select the blue square to make notes!
Example: I reject oatmeal raisin cookies, because they are tricking people into thinking they are actually chocolate chip cookies, which is false and misleading.
“They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them…Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature.” —Romans 1:19-20 (NLT)
Select the blue square to make notes!
Example: I redeem any food that is salted, because it reminds me that the church is supposed to be the salt of the earth, living out the Kingdom of God.
Instant Reaction!
Were there any moments throughout this movie that made you uncomfortable, encouraged, convicted, etc.? What do you think the Lord is trying to tell you?
Take 5 minutes to look over your notes and select your favorite rejoice, reject, and redeem points with the Lord. Be prepared to share with the group (if applicable).
Share one or two things you rejoiced, rejected, or redeemed from this movie with your group, specifically “what” you noticed and “why” it’s important from a faith perspective. Feel welcome to write down anything someone else shares that you resonate with. The Lord might be trying to tell you something!
We see that when Elphaba stands up against injustice throughout this movie, it is often a very lonely and isolating experience.
When have you stood up for what was right and felt punished for doing it? Do any stories in the Bible come to mind where someone did what was right and was punished or rejected for it? What is God showing you?
In the movie, The Wizard of Oz, the Wicked Witch of the West is clearly the villain and shows no signs of morality or remorse.
How could knowing her backstory, as portrayed by Elphaba in Wicked, change how you view her and her actions?
What might God be revealing through Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship that could help us get along with and love those who are different from us?
Compare and contrast their relationship with how Christians and non-Christians could relate to one another.
Hebrews 4:15-16 tells us how Jesus is compassionate towards us and is able to sympathize with us because he lived as a human just like us. He understands what we go through.
Similarly, how can we have compassion for others and empathize with them by entering into their stories and sharing our own?
What has God revealed to you about Himself, about yourself, or about the world that you are excited about sharing with someone?
