I have been studying the gospel of John in preparation for a book on Mary Magdalene. Not only am I looking at the unique story of the resurrected Jesus with Mary in the garden of chapter 20 but also at themes and imagery from the Old Testament. This gospel is unique as it presents a symbolic visual picture of the kin'dom and of Jesus himself with beautiful artistic language that can be traced to the writings of the prophets.
Karen H. Jobes calls John a "verbal painting." This form of spiritual writing is meant to be interpreted. The layers of possibility are deep. The poetry of John makes use of "metaphor, wordplay, double meanings, irony, and symbolism." Richard Hays has observed that "John's narrative technique is analogue to the visual artistry of Rembrandt's portraits." There is much richness to explore, bringing us back to the scriptures again and again, each time we may discover more.
We are compelled to imagine and discover which is the work of good art.
This painting is inspired by Isaiah 11:1 (NABRE)
But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse,
and from his roots a bud shall blossom.
John reminds us over and over again in many different ways that Jesus is the hoped for Messiah of the line of David to which this verse refers. I'm learning how the flower is a picture of sorts of Jesus who came so that we might have life. Jesus came so that the garden will be restored, and the desert will bloom.
A blossom is hope.
The colors of this painting remind me of the bloom of a squash plant from a vegetable garden. This yellow squash blossom is so simple, not for a flower bouquet or décor, but for life, for sustenance. The vibrancy of life blooming forth to tell us of what is to come.
In my state of Tennessee, women need our hope lived out in action. I write today about this need in Women Crying Out In The Wilderness in Tennessee for Baptist News.
John the Baptist says,
I am ‘the voice of one crying out in the desert,
“Make straight the way of the Lord,”
Today the voices of women cry out, begging for us to listen. Make way for the peace of Jesus Christ. Make way for abundant life.
This peace and hope for the future is possible because of the promise of Jesus in the garden.
May the love and hope of God blossom in you this day.
Amen.
