This story is a refutation of the heretics. If you are lucky, you are in Constantinople, and hear John Chrysostom begin a revolution in biblical interpretation that would last for nine centuries. The story is a doctrinal example. A Vindication of the number three, the Trinity, in all things. Not much use to you perhaps, as whole sermon would be in Latin.
Story is a metaphysical puzzle.
No place at all for this story. Preach on the Genesis reading. In an age concerned mainly to show that Reason and Faith were harmonious, there s no place for a story like this. Instead focus on how barbarous and quaint the ancient Hebrews were, how primitive their story of humanity s creation. Story is an embarrassment.