May
08
Tags
All We Need
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth,
and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me.”
John 14:6
When Jesus suggests a little, two-letter word, he stirs up much controversy. And that word is “is.” Many people get offended when Jesus says he “is” the way, the truth, and the life. They say it is exclusive. How can Jesus claim to be the only “is”—the only way? I’ve been involved in many theological arguments revolving around this verse, and I don’t want to go into them now. But to me, this statement isn’t exclusive but inclusive, because it means no one has to do any saving because Christ, the “is,” already did. “It is finished,” he said from the cross. No one needs to finish it—it is done.
This unusual depiction of the cross is a stunning visual that does not need much explanation. It is by American contemporary artist Larry Cole. The man below is a part of the cross, submerged in the cross. He finds life and salvation in the cross. Christ’s injured hands reach to save him as Christ himself is held by the hand of his Father. Jesus said, “If you know me, you know the Father.” (John 14:7)
Art critic, Terry Mulligan, wrote, “Cole’s subject of choice is often spiritual—creating many images of Jesus Christ. These are not your run-of-the-mill pictures of Christ. His paintings are earthy, striking and they portray Jesus in a way that renders him approachable, kind, and full of love.”
Being Human connection: I pray this painting speaks to you and comforts you. And may you remember that two-letter word. Jesus is all we need. And knowing Jesus isn’t only the point of life, it is the definition of life.
Featured Art: Larry Cole, “Love,” 2010. https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/larry-cole