Inspiration

Last week as I studied Matthew 17:1-20 I was very inspired and encouraged by the painting shown above. It is "The Transfiguration" by Raphael, painted just before his death in 1520.

Even though it is a bit fanciful, I thought it captured the mood of the events described in that chapter so well that I referred to the painting and showed it on the screen during my message, (which you can listen to here).

Primarily, I thought his interpretation of these events, and his decision to illustrate them together in this fashion, highlighted the contrast between the true glorious nature of Jesus of Nazareth, as "previewed" in His transfiguration, and the chaos and darkness and confusion that we constantly encounter as people living in this temporal, earthly realm.

It was also fascinating to study the various characters, and try to figure out who was who... for the most part, the top half was easy, but who are the two guys in the bushes on the left? Since they are not part of the Biblical account, Raphael obviously inserted them to make a point. Some think they are meant to encourage believers, who would see themselves worshiping Jesus as He truly is.

On the bottom half, I looked at the desperation on the face of the father, and the doubt and even anger on the faces in the crowd. I also studied the nine disciples, and tried to identify each one. Is that Judas whispering in Thomas' ear on the left? Who are the two pointing up or reaching out towards Jesus? And who is the guy in the left foreground, and what book is he referring to? I found it all very interesting.

I must admit that I was a bit surprised by my reaction to this painting, and it has caused me to grow in my appreciation for the ability of art to "communicate" truth. No, it's not scripture and yes, I understand that there are some issues with his depiction (after all, that's not much of a "high mountain" is it?). Nevertheless, I am thankful that God created people skilled in the arts who can use their gifts to make us think and inspire us as we consider God's unique character and glory.