Seeing Life Through the Tears of Christ

Several years ago I attended a conference to hear a talk from an artist I admire. His name is Makoto Fujimura. He had just illustrated a commemorative edition of the New Testament. His impressionistic art is placed throughout the gospels. I was able to get a signed copy of an oversized edition at the event, which I treasure to this day.

With impressionistic art, it’s hard to discern the meaning and intentions of the artist. You can appreciate the beauty, but you need the artist to give commentary to help you understand what led to their creation. Makoto explained he reflected on the gospels looking for one verse to serve as a filter through which he would envision the art. He landed on John 11:35, “Jesus wept.” He then when back and read all of the gospels through the tears of Christ.

What a powerful picture! You can see the beauty of Jesus in his remarkable love and compassion. Napoleon Bonaparte once said, “I know men and I tell you that Jesus Christ was no mere man. Between Him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creation of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded His empire on love; and at this very hour millions of men would die for Him.” Let’s read the Scriptures, and see all of life, through the tears of Jesus.