March-April 2022 - Humility

Lance Brown is a performance artist who paints most of his pieces in front of an audience in six minutes or less. Brown explains that he is “called to use his artistic gifts to inspire, encourage, and motivate others.”*

This artwork, titled Humility, shows Jesus washing the feet of one of the disciples. Light takes up about half of the canvas space and is the most colorful and brightest part of the painting. Jesus and the disciple are backlit and frame the light. The light draws our focus to Jesus’ hands and the water where the action and movement are taking place. Notice how the area surrounding the water is the sharpest portion of the painting, while the features of Jesus and the disciple and the background are slightly blurred. This pulls the eye to and emphasizes the importance of the water and the washing — an event described in the Gospel of John.

Consider the timing of this event.  Jesus’ crucifixion was approaching. John 13:1 says, “Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them fully” (CEB). Jesus and the disciples were sharing a meal together. Jesus got up from the table and began to wash the disciples’ feet. Imagine being one of the disciples and having Jesus — your teacher and a person you admire and respect deeply — wash the dust from your feet. What an act of humility and love!

Brown’s painting shows us one of the best examples of love and humility. As you look at the cover image, think about what act of humble service God might be calling you to today. How can you use your gifts to show Christ’s love to others?

*https://www.paintedchrist.com/christian-speed-painter

Cover image courtesy of Lance Brown ©2017 Lance Brown. Prints of cover art are available from PaintedChrist.com.