Home Sermons Harry Potter and the Gospel of Matthew 11:25-30
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Written by Rev. Lauren Lorincz

Harry Potter and the Gospel of Matthew 11:25-30

Summer blockbusters—final Harry Potter movie!
  • Story is epic battle of good vs. evil (Harry vs. Voldemort)
  • The books chronicle the adventures of Harry Potter and his two best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, all are students at Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The central plot is Harry's quest to overcome the evil wizard Lord Voldemort, who aims to conquer the world and subjugate Muggles (non-magical folk.)
Major Themes of Harry's Story:
  • Death—Voldemort's obsession with conquering death
  • Normality—Harry's aunt and uncle constantly fight to be "normal" in their neighborhood
  • Oppression—Muggles are treated as second-class citizens by some "pure bloods"
  • Overcoming obstacles—Harry is an orphan, famous before he even knows he's a wizard, has to face Voldemort continuously
  • Argument for tolerance, end of bigotry—Hermione fights for the rights of house elves, conscious of being from a Muggle family too, has compassion for those looked down upon
  • Question authority—Dumbledore's showdown with the Ministry of Magic, power corrupts?
This passage in context in Harry Potter's world:
"Come to me all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest."
  • All the times Harry has to have rejuvenation after his battles with Voldemort
  • Rest sought in the company of his friends
  • Exactly what Jesus does—would seek self care on his own, went away to pray
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart."
  • Harry's relationship with Dumbledore—mentor and student at first, then friends and confidants
  • Humility of Harry—teaches Defense against the Dark Arts class
  • Jesus mentoring his disciples, trying to gently explain his teachings
"For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
  • In the end, Harry is able to sacrifice himself for his friends
  • Many atonement theories, but Jesus does willingly go to the cross in all of them
  • The choice is easy, Harry's burden does not feel insurmountable
  • Harry: "But I should have died—I didn't defend myself! I meant to let him kill me!" (Deathly Hallows, 708)
  • Dumbledore: "And that will, I think, have made all the difference . . . That which Voldemort does not value, he takes no trouble to comprehend. Of house-elves and children's tales, of love, loyalty, and innocence, Voldemort knows and understands nothing. Nothing. That they have a power beyond his own, a power beyond the reach of any magic, is a truth he has never grasped." (Deathly Hallows, 708-710)
Harry Potter as Christ-like character
  • J.K. Rowling not as intentional as C.S. Lewis but Harry Potter has themes that are important in the Bible and in life in general!
  • Reasons why it's so popular—perfect example of the sacred within the secular
  • And here's hoping that your summer is magical!