on the cross?
From the Artist's Perspective:
While painting this scene about one of the criminals executed alongside Jesus, it was reinforced in me how important it is when we come to a particular moment in time. That moment is when we see Jesus for who He is. At that moment we realize that He was God in the flesh, and we are at a point in time for a decision to be made just as much as that criminal on the cross. Is Jesus the one that you will curse, or is He the one that you will realize?
When the reality of Christ is in your life, He becomes everything that He said He was. He is the way and the truth and the life. He is a redeemer and a friend. For some it takes an 11th hour realization, and for some it goes back almost as far as one can recall.
The focus of this painting is not only Jesus, but it's also the criminal. It's like looking into a mirror at yourself who deserves the fate of a criminal who has sinned against God. It is at this moment, whenever it happens in your life, that you see Jesus for who He is and for the love that He offers.
As you look, imagine that you are gazing into a mirror at your own soul.
Is it now real for you? Will you accept His offer? What is your answer?
- Leo Richardson
From the Pastor's Perspective:
My first response to the question, "Who is that on the cross?" results from my familiarity with the biblical record of the crucifixion of God's Son, Jesus Christ. Obviously, Jesus is one of the two individuals who are "on the cross." The other individual, the one looking at Christ, would be one of the two criminals who was crucified with Christ
Unlike Barabbas, the criminal whose place Jesus took, we have no record of the names of the two robbers who were crucified with Jesus. Apparently, they were just two more criminals, in a long list of criminals, whose lives expired on a Roman cross.
However, as I ponder this painting, I am reminded we all have broken God's laws. The Bible declares, "All have sinned," "There is none righteous, no not one." Of course, the person who is wearing the crown of thorns, the one to whom the criminal is looking, God's Son, is the lone exception to that reality. He lived a sinless, perfect life; yet he willingly identified with sinful humanity, even in his death.
To me, the artist's brush portrays the hopeless expression and condition, not only of a crucified criminal, but, of all humanity. Yet, in our hopelessness, we too, like this criminal can look to Jesus, confessing our sins, knowing his words, "today you will be with me in paradise," provides all the hope we'll ever need. To God be the glory!
- Pastor David Missel