When the Painting Truly Makes Sense
Leonardo da Vinci painted the fresco “The Last Supper” at a church in Milan in 1498. A very interesting story goes along with this endeavor.
At the time of the painting, da Vinci had an enemy who was a fellow painter. Da Vinci had experienced a bitter argument with this man and despised him. When da Vinci painted the face of Judas Iscariot at the table with Jesus, he used the face of his enemy so that it would be present for ages as the man who betrayed Jesus. He took delight while painting this picture in knowing that others would actually notice the face of his enemy on Judas.
As he worked on the faces of the other disciples, he often tried to paint the face of Jesus, but couldn’t make any progress. Da Vinci felt frustrated and confused. In time he realized what was wrong. His hatred for the other painter was holding him back from finishing the face of Jesus. Only after making peace with his fellow painter and repainting the face of Judas was he able to paint the face of Jesus and complete his masterpiece.
This story reminds us how important reconciliation and forgiveness are in truly seeing the face of Christ in our lives. It’s tough to see the radiance of our Savior when see the negativity in our neighbors. Daily I pray to see the glorious light of Jesus in my life, but I’ve also learned that this light can only be seen when I see the child of God in others.
Sunday is CHRIST THE KING Sunday… it’s the last Sunday of the church calendar before Advent begins on November 29th. We worship Him as King when we try to see everyone in a positive and favorable light. And then when call on Jesus’ name, we are truly blessed! “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:9-11).                
In His Light, PASTOR PAUL