Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Christ Died



As Holy Week approaches, this painting by Hans Holbein the Younger in 1521 - 1522 captures the reality of the earliest Christian tradition that Christ died and was buried (see 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). The rest of the tradition, that he was raised on the third day, must be seen in conjunction with the stark reality of his death.

For a better look at the painting, see various images at Wikipedia.

1 comment:

jakemaxwel said...

I am glad you posted this picture,revjohn. It really gave me pause as it forced me to stop and dwell on the second part of--Jesus suffered, died, and was buried. On the third day he rose again etc. We just pass right over the real moments of death. It is as if Jesus made just a quick pit stop in the grave. It seems that spending a few moments with the thought of his death makes his resurrection more significant, more real. Hmmm.