Thanks to the two of you!! *Grin* Potlatch is great with graphics and animations!
In 1602, Italian artist Caravaggio produced a painting called The Taking of Christ. This work, an early example of the Baroque style, is compelling. Created in dark hues, it allows the viewer to contemplate Jesus arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. Two main elements of the scene depicted in the painting demand the observers attention. The first is Judas as he delivers the traitors kiss. Immediately, however, the viewers focus is drawn toward Jesus hands, which are passively clasped together to show that He offered no resistance to this injustice. Although He possessed the power to create a universe, Christ gave Himself up voluntarily to His captors and to the waiting cross.
Long before this scene took place, Jesus told His listeners that no one could take His life from HimHe would lay it down willingly (John 10:18). This heart of voluntary surrender was prophesied by Isaiah, who wrote, He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth (Isa. 53:7).
Christs lamblike self-sacrifice is a grand indicator of His powerful love. Greater love has no one than this, He explained, than to lay down ones life for his friends (John 15:13). Think of it. Jesus loved you that much!
Bible in One Year: Judges 16-18; Luke 7:1-30