Harry Potter meets Jesus Sermon Podcast 2: Lucius Malfoy – Mudbloods, Muggles, and Me

n the Harry Potter series JK Rawling does a great job helping us see and feel what it is like to experience prejudice and rejection. We meet Lucious Malfoy, the poster child for what the bible calls “the wicked.” But the goal is not to despise fictitious characters like Lucius Malfoy, the goal is to be able to see the Lucius Malfoy in us. Today we compare the way of the world to the beautiful, life giving way of Jesus, and what it is like to be part of the fellowship of the King.

Good fiction can sometimes help us see our own biases and prejudices. Racism is perhaps the most obvious of the many ways of despising people based on some group attribute. What group of people are you most likely to despise?   Hint: If these people aren’t treated fairly, it really doesn’t bother you that much… because, you know… they deserve it.

“In Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.” – Galatians 3:26-29

Still, we are all tempted to find ways to feel superior to other people in some arena, even if that arena is as petty as our hobbies, interests, or skills. But

“Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials are tyrants over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:42-45

Why do the Wicked Prosper ?

•  Because Sin is real
•  Because we admire/reward them
•  Because we refuse to oppose them

Christianity does not equal “Being Nice” and avoiding conflict with wickedness. The same Paul said “Speak the Truth in Love” also said “Expel the wicked brother.”   At the same time, I cannot allow bitterness or envy to grow in me.

PSALM 73

1 Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;I had nearly lost my foothold.
 3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked
:
16 When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me
 17 till I entered the sanctuary of God.

MEMORY VERSE:   
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45 

CHALLENGE QUESTION:  
What group of people are you most likely to despise or envy, and what could you tell yourself the next time you catch yourself doing so ?