Art takes you places and invites you to savour new thoughts and ideas.
Recently I came across this picture of Jesus and the Little Children. Painted by Carl Bloch it grabbed my attention.
The people brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it: “Don’t push these children away. Don’t ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them. Mark 10:13-16 (The Message)
I’m no art critic in understanding the little hidden nuances, but I know what I like and enjoy pondering over paintings.
12 observations
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There are 14 people shown. See if you can find them all.
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All age groups are covered. The old to the little baby.
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The crippled are included as being close to Jesus.
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Jesus body is pointed towards the old and the crippled.
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There are two disciples barring the way to Jesus.
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One of the children is resting its head against Jesus chest.
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Jesus hand is pulling the child into himself.
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The children appear to not have many clothes on.
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There is a rock on the ground.
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People want to gain a vantage point to see Jesus.
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The left of the picture speaks of quiet welcome.
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The right of the picture is action, hussle and bussle, push and shove.
This is a picture that welcomes all to come to Jesus.
Old and young, crippled and strong.
It also speaks of the tenderness Jesus has for the little children, holding their hands, pulling them in close. The children having not many clothes on could invite the notion of childhood vulnerability, of not having layers of self protection.
The rock maybe a rock of judgement ready to be thrown?
The challenge in this painting for me is the question – Am I a bridge or a barrier to Jesus?
Am I someone who enables people to come to Jesus by creating bridges from where they are now to where Jesus is.
Or am I a barrier? Just like those disciples forming a protective ring around Jesus. Am I stopping people from coming to Jesus? Perhaps those disciples thought they were doing Jesus a favour and giving him some space away from the crowds. Perhaps they wanting to keep the experience of knowing Jesus just to themselves?
We don’t know their motivation, we can only reflect on our own.
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Where would you be in the picture?
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Where would you like to be?
Having good mental health is knowing the embracing love of Christ.
Questions to consider and leave a comment.
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What barriers exist that hinder people’s approach to Jesus?
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Who has been a ‘bridge’ for you to experience Jesus?
- What would it be like to as vulnerable as a child in front of Jesus?
- Can you add any observations about the painting?
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Barry Pearman
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