Artists throughout the ages have sought to capture in their work the character and person of Jesus. In the light of the Devil’s attempt to tempt Jesus, Henri Nouwen has an interesting take on getting an accurate portrait of Jesus.
Jesus chose not to be relevant and turn stones into bread. There is no lack of stones in the Middle East. However, when the rains failed there could be a lack of bread. Jesus also refused to be powerful. He would not bow down to the devil for all the power in the world. Think of how much good he could have done were he to accept a crown. Finally, Jesus turned down the opportunity to be spectacular. Consider the extremes people will go to for their fifteen minutes of fame.
For an accurate portrait of Jesus, Nouwen suggests that we look to the Beatitudes (Matt. 5: 2-12). In the Beatitudes we see a portrait of someone who is blessed because he mourns (Luke 13:34-35). Blessed are the meek. Blessed are those who hunger for righteousness (Matt 4:15). Blessed are the merciful (John 8:4ff). Blessed are the pure in heart. Blessed are the peacemakers. Blessed are those who are persecuted (John 11:57).
This is the self-portrait Jesus gives us. Furthermore, when we see Jesus we see his heavenly father. Jesus used his power to defeat death and displayed his spectacular glory to rise from the dead.
Jesus does not turn stones to bread, but turns bread into his body at Holy Communion that we might have a taste of the feast to come when we live not by the bread on our table, nor even by the bread of the sacrament, but in the presence of the Bread of Life forever.
Artists will continue to capture Jesus on canvas, film or in stone. We each have an image of him in our minds. However, as Paul writes in a different context, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face.”
The challenge for us as we live under the gospel is to become more and like him in our life here and now.
Lord, through Your Holy Spirit make me more like Jesus that I may be a reflection of his image in my life, today, tomorrow and foerever.
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