Difference between revisions of "Sermon for February 9th, 2025"

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1 Samuel 18:1-5

1 When David had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was bound to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 2 Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father’s house. 3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as his own soul. 4 Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that he was wearing and gave it to David and his armor and even his sword and his bow and his belt. 5 David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him; as a result, Saul set him over the army. And all the people, even the servants of Saul, approved.

Jeremiah 22:1-5

1 Thus says the Lord: Go down to the house of the king of Judah, and speak there this word, 2 and say: Hear the word of the Lord, O king of Judah sitting on the throne of David—you, and your servants, and your people who enter these gates. 3 Thus says the Lord: Act with justice and righteousness and deliver from the hand of the oppressor anyone who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the alien, the orphan, and the widow, or shed innocent blood in this place. 4 For if you will indeed obey this word, then through the gates of this house shall enter kings who sit on the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses—they, their servants, and their people. 5 But if you will not heed these words, I swear by myself, says the Lord, that this house shall become a desolation.

Matthew 25:34-40

34 Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, 35 for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink? 38 And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing? 39 And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ 40 And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’

Faith & Film XIII: Wicked, Part One

• Film Clip #1 - Trailer

Three Minute Film Summary

Wicked (Part One) transports us back to the Land of Oz, years before Dorothy ever drops in. Based on the popular Broadway musical of the same name and the novel by Gregory Maguire, the film explores the backstory of Elphaba, the so-called "Wicked Witch of the West" from the original "Wizard of Oz" movie and novel (Which makes this is a movie based on a musical based on a novel based on a movie based on a novel!)

Elphaba is born with green skin and strange magical powers, making her a target of fear and prejudice from others, including her own father. She dreams of someday meeting the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, whom she believes could grant the desire of her heart, which is to be de-greenified.

Elphaba accompanies her sister to college at Shiz University, where she meets the popular, privileged, and self-absorbed Galinda. Elphaba and Galinda are polar opposites, but in an unlikely turn of events they become roommates--much to the disappointment (and unadulterated loathing) of both.

Elphaba befriends one of her professors, a talking goat named Dr. Dillamond, and through him learns that talking animals--once respected and plentiful in the Land of Oz--are being increasingly persecuted, and are disappearing. Elphaba witnesses Dr. Dillamond being mistreated by her fellow students, including Galinda.

But Galinda's shallow personality is, in many ways, just as much a mask as Elphaba's green skin. In a key moment, Galinda helps Elphaba's sister connect with a boy she likes. When Elphaba learns of this, she helps Galinda connect with a professor that she likes. And when Elphaba is mocked and ridiculed by students at a party (which to be fair, is Galinda's fault) Galinda feels bad, stands up for Elphaba, and the two form a connection with each other that blossoms into a deep friendship.

On account of her emerging magical powers, Elphaba is invited to visit the Wonderful Wizard of Oz in the Emerald City--her childhood dream, and her chance to be de-greenified. She asks Glinda to join her, and the two friends set off for the Emerald City, where they are dazzled by the energy and life of the city, and by the magnificence of the Wizard himself.

Only he turns out not to be so wonderful. Elphaba discovers that the wizard himself is responsible for the persecution of the animals, and he tries to manipulate her into using her powers against them. When Elphaba refuses, the wizard labels her a "wicked witch" and sets the entire city against her. In a dramatic, cliff-hanger climax--Elphaba bids farewell to Glinda, embraces her powers, her green skin, (and her iconic image) and defiantly flies away on her broom, presumably to continue the fight in part two.

The Wicked, the Wonderful, and the Worthy

• Film Clip #2 - Born Wicked?

“Are people born wicked, or is wickedness thrust upon them?” (Glinda’s question—echoing the question from Nosferatu: “Does evil come from within us... or from beyond?”)

When a movie poses such a direct and powerful question—and when *two* major films in one year ask essentially the same question—it signals that our culture is wrestling with the nature of good and evil. And as people of faith, we should be prepared to respond.

Matthew 25 provides a lens for understanding who is truly “wicked” or “worthy.” Jesus divides people not by appearance or prestige, but by how they treat “the least of these.” Elphaba, despite being labeled “wicked,” consistently shows kindness to those who are most vulnerable—like Dr. Dillamond, a persecuted talking Animal. Glinda, likewise, grows in compassion. Meanwhile, the Wizard initially seems “wonderful,” but as his cruel, self-serving motives come to light, we see who is truly wicked.

• Film Clip: Glinda asks, “Are people born wicked, or is wickedness thrust upon them?”

This great twist—that the “wonderful” may in fact be wicked, and the “wicked” worthy—mirrors Jesus’ teaching that “the first will be last and the last will be first.” Wicked reminds us: The Lord looks at the heart. We must do likewise—see beyond surface impressions, snap judgments, and cultural biases. Maybe we have our own Elphabas in our lives—people who seem odd or different, but whose hearts God may be using in mighty ways.

Soul Friendships

At the heart of *Wicked* is the evolving bond between Elphaba and Glinda.

Our first Scripture reading from 1 Samuel 18 shows us a powerful portrait of friendship between David and Jonathan. David, a rural shepherd boy, and Jonathan, the privileged son of King Saul, come from opposite ends of the social spectrum. Yet, Scripture says, “the soul of Jonathan was bound to the soul of David.” Jonathan even gives David his own robe, just as Glinda “dresses up” Elphaba and makes her “popular.”

• Film Clip: Early dorm room scene where Glinda gives Elphaba a makeover.

In the same way, Glinda and Elphaba seem to have nothing in common. One is admired and adored; the other is ridiculed for her green skin and misunderstood talents. Yet under the surface, genuine friendship begins to blossom. Genuine friendship involves acceptance, vulnerability, and grace. We see how Glinda’s initial superficiality and Elphaba’s distrust melt into genuine care.

Like David and Jonathan, Elphaba and Glinda show us that friendship is about crossing barriers, sacrificing pride, and sharing the gifts we have—be they robes and swords, or a stylish hat and some well-placed makeup tips. Each of us can ask: Who in my life is “on the other side of the social spectrum,” and how might God be calling me to connect with them in grace-filled friendship?

Defying Gravity: Speaking Truth to Power

One of the most memorable moments is Elphaba’s anthem, ‘Defying Gravity,’ when she refuses to comply with the Wizard’s manipulative plans. The scene brims with tension: she’s torn between staying safe and living into her calling—even if that means the world brands her ‘wicked.’

In Jeremiah 22, the prophet is called to speak uncomfortable truth to a king, warning him to “act with justice and righteousness...” or face the consequences of disobedience. Like Jeremiah, Elphaba takes a stand against the powers-that-be. While others fear the Wizard’s might, she “defies gravity,” trusting in a higher calling to defend those who cannot defend themselves.

• Film Clip (Optional): “Defying Gravity” performance.

Spiritually, it echoes the invitation to trust God’s higher calling above earthly powers. Like Elijah outrunning chariots (1 Kings 18) or Peter stepping out of the boat (Matthew 14), stepping into God’s purposes (your God-given calling) can feel both terrifying and exhilarating. Elphaba’s leap of faith here, while misunderstood by many, is a reminder that obeying a higher truth sometimes means walking alone—or flying alone.

What about us? Are there times when doing the right thing might lead to misunderstanding or isolation? Wicked captures that vulnerable moment of deciding whom we serve and whether we’ll stand firm, even if the world turns away.

Wrapping Things Up

Throughout Wicked: Part 1, we see the lines blur between “good witch” and “wicked witch.” Friendship crosses social boundaries, apparent “wonderfulness” proves deceptive, and a so-called outcast becomes the truer champion of justice.

As people of faith, we are called to look deeper, to love more broadly, and to stand for truth even when it seems the world is against us.

May we learn from David and Jonathan that real friendship can unify us across differences. May we learn from Matthew 25 that true worth is revealed in how we treat “the least of these.” And may we learn from Jeremiah’s bold example to “defy gravity” when God calls us to speak truth—even to the powerful.

In so doing, we might just discover that those labeled “wicked” aren’t always what they seem, and the humble might shine with God’s glory when the world insists they remain in the shadows.