The Sick Only, Please
Canvas 30” x 30”
Time: Approx. 3 hours
Date: May 21st, 2023
Cost: $1,500b
Artist Statement
Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” [Luke 5:30–NIV]
A few minutes behind schedule from a long morning hike, I rush into Hope and set up my canvas and easel as quickly as I can! Doug Glynn, a pastor at Hope, comes up to me and gives me the theme of the sermon for today–Jesus demonstrating acceptance and love of our enemies [Luke 5:27-32]. I stand for 30 minutes listening and praying. Bradon Hodge leads the singing and introduces a new song with the lyrics, “...Jesus holds our hand…” catches my attention. The atmosphere moves me to broken tears, and I start to see an image: Jesus holding the hand of a shame-ridden Matthew, the corrupt–enemy–collaborator–tax–collector, and inviting Matthew to be his disciple.
Doug speaks passionately about how Matthew is deeply aware of how sick he was, and how badly he needs Jesus’ love and forgiveness. But, the religious in the account are “strong,” trusting their polished veneer to save them. They can’t help but judge Jesus for going to a party at Matthew’s home. So, I paint Jesus between the two figures as though to say “back off” to the religious man. But then, Doug talks about how Jesus is for everyone, such that he also wants the “healthy” people to receive him too. Now, I change the position of Jesus’ right hand to be firmly but lovingly holding the religious man’s elbow–conveying both protection of Matthew yet concern toward the religious man. So, Jesus becomes the bridge between these two–and ultimately the bridge between all who receive him.
This painting can also be seen as a self portrait–one side of me shouts, “Get it together!” the other side shouts back, “Just leave me alone!” But the Christ-man at the center makes peace between the warring factions within me–the vulnerable and the invulnerable parts of myself. Within this acceptance, each side can rest, allowing a vibrant tree to grow upwards into heaven…this sick patient springs to life! Thank you, Doctor! You are so, so good!