Click on the picture for a larger version
Thoughts? I’d be interested to hear both your initial reaction and how it settles with you.
Heavenly Sanctuary commissioned this image for their Good News Tour and I found it via Pastor Greg Boyd’s blog. He discusses some of the controversy in his post Washing Osama’s Feet.
From Pastor Boyd’s blog:
“This year they hired an artist named Lars Justinen from the Justinen Creative Group to paint the above picture to use on posters advertising their conference. Under this picture they had captions like ‘Follow the Leader,’ ‘God IS Great,’ and most accurately, ‘Jesus – Still Too Radical?’”
And lest we forget the words of Christ in John 13,
“Do you understand what I have done for you? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
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November 15, 2007 at 14:16
Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, not the Pharisees. His action relates to our behavior within the Body of Christ. This picture takes His action out of context.
November 15, 2007 at 14:39
If he washed the feet of his disciples and one of them he knew would betray him, then why would he not wash the feet of others, who also would may be in that category? He loves us far more than we will ever know while here on his earth. He came so that we would have an example to follow. So, would you wash the feet of someone who betrayed you? I will with all prayer and petition wash the feet of those who need to see the example of Christ. Remember who you follow and follow him close.
November 15, 2007 at 15:06
Anna, I’m with you. Not only is a good selection of these men not confessing Christians (meaning they are NOT the Disciples), but also these men are not vocationally ministerial. World leaders in political positions are not the same as ministerial vicars. Jesus may love and be humbled to the service of all people, but the act of the washing has to be viewed in context. Jesus cannot wash those who do not come to the table to be washed.
John, Jesus washed someone who confessed in Him (Judas). The betrayal was not confessional. Judas killed himself, and why? Because he still recognized the Word made flesh to be the Word made flesh. If he had just betrayed Jesus politcally, it would be a lot different.
November 15, 2007 at 16:14
I’d have to agree with John. Although I acknowledge that Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and not the Pharisees, his overlying and deeper point was the act of service. Jesus was saying that you can’t be too high to serve and to love.
To me personally, this picture is showing that even though God is a higher being than these world leaders he is still serving them. Has the servant life escaped the church?
And to the Judas comment: how could his betrayal not be confessional? He took money to betray Jesus, and when he did so it was in the garden with a kiss (in the presence of the other disciples).
The picture brings up a lot of questions. Quite remarkable if you ask me.
November 15, 2007 at 19:34
the pic says to me what we all as true belivers should never forget that “no matter where we are from, no matter what we have done, there is never ending love and forgiveness for all!!!! what did Jesus die on the cross for? A select few, NO he died for everyone. This pic shows us that no matter what we have done anyone can receive the Grace that is JESUS CHRIST THE SON OF GOD…..........
November 15, 2007 at 21:59
I love it! Thank you. His Love is radical. I love the picture. It helps jar your thoughts out of the box.
November 16, 2007 at 00:22
This is a profitable topic.
I am slightly offended at the painting, because I find renderings of Jesus creepy and cheap. I don’t know why exactly. I just feel like they’re grossly inadequate. I don’t find good portrayals of Jesus, like The Passion of the Christ, as disturbing. I do not think one should feed on films or pictures. It’s much better to know Christ through the fullness of His Word, the Bible.
As for the people in the portrait, I think our LORD would save every one of them if they would turn to Him and be saved. It’s good to remember that He washed the feet of Judas, but I don’t think Judas ever really turned to Jesus. If Judas had, then he would have lived for the LORD and not have killed himself. The mark of a believer is a changed life, not suicide (Rom 5; Mark 5). Judas could have turned to Him at any time, and Jesus had told them several times about His death and resurrection (Mat 17:22-23; 20:17-19).
Peter tells us about a sow returning to the mire after having been washed (2Pe 2:22). That is sort of an antithesis of Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15). The son was always a son, and the pig was always a pig. They both got into places they didn’t belong, and they both found their way home. The pig didn’t really care much for being clean, and the son realized that the pig pen wasn’t a good place for a son to live. In both cases, their eternal disposition is between them and the Father.
We’re commanded to tell them the plain truth about Jesus and the Father (Mat 28:18-20). If this painting is used for that purpose, then I think it’s fine.
November 16, 2007 at 11:40
WOW!! This painting first offended me. The idea of our Lord washing the feet of undeserving people and them just waiting. Oh wait, I’m undeserving. Reality check. I guess I should focus on following his example and quit asking why. I find that for myself I get more joy when I don’t know why (other than I’m directed by God’s word) I do something and later understand. As for Judas, do you think that he may have been destined to commit certain acts to fulfill prophecies? I believe that it’s certainly a possibility. No matter what you think though, the picture definetly gets you brain ticking.
November 16, 2007 at 13:09
love the painting. Shows the true love of Christ which we are all to follow. Yes it was hard to see at first but i agree with Paul. We are all underserving. Kudo to the artist.
November 16, 2007 at 15:07
Interesting!
At first I was a little offended with the selection of people.
But then I realized that Jesus would do just that if the opportunity presented itself.
That is His nature.
It is my ‘new nature’ to love each of them.
November 16, 2007 at 16:19
I was not in the least offended,even initially. It is in keeping with the teachings of Jesus and tenants of Christianity.
Upon a closer look, it strikes me that only the figure seated third from the right gazes upon this action with any reverence or respect, the rest of the leaders apear contemptuous and disdainful. True to their own nature, thosh the terrorist in the very middle appears inordinately passive and sedate, untrue to his nature.
November 16, 2007 at 16:35
How many of these men and women would allow Jesus to wash their feet? He is willing to do it, but only if they are willing to let him. (see Peter’s complaint)
That’s a part of being his disciple, allowing him to wash away your sins.
A better picture would show expressions of doubt, fear, hatred, etc. on the faces of those waiting to be washed.
November 16, 2007 at 16:54
Jesus died to pay for all sins. With that act He set in motion the plan of salvation. The problem is, everyone has to make a conscious choice – follow Him or reject him. I don’t believe that He would wash the feet of non-believers, but the message of the picture for me is Love and Humbleness!
November 16, 2007 at 17:10
True. We’re all undeserving of the radical love of Jesus. But that’s not the point. Jesus washed the feet of men who publicly demonstrated their love for him, those who gave their lives for the Kindgom of Heaven. Most of the world leaders depicted in this work have spent their lifetimes striving against Christianity, deliberately and happily slaughtering millions and millions of people merely for reading about Christ or the Christian religion. Some in the picture are unrepentantly and directly guilty of genocide, a crime against humanity and a sin against God and man for which they will answer soon. Others are guilty of culpable negligence, the craven ‘sin of omission’, insamuch as they have done nothing to stop the genocide or have worked in common cause with that evil.
I am offended and insulted by this silliness and this fundamental misunderstanding of the basics of Christianity. The only people who should be depicted in the ‘art’ are those who have made a public profession of faith in Christ and who have demonstrated works consistent with a conversion of the heart. From what I can see, that’s only George W. Bush and Tony Blair, and perhaps the woman if she’s supposed to be German Chancellor Angela Merkel. She is head of the Christian Democratic Union so perhaps that association tells us something about her Christian commitment.
If you think this picture depicts a positive image of Christ and by extension Christianity, then you are sorely misinformed and dangerously naive.
November 16, 2007 at 17:52
Personally I think this picture is rather sad and pathetic and a complete distortion of the Word of Christ.
Has Osama confessed his sins and turned to Christ Jesus for forgiveness? Of course not.
Would Christ have washed Satan’s feet in the desert as well? Of course not.
Get your head out of the sand, people. I would be willing to forgive a radical Islamist if they earnestly asked for forgiveness and repented of their past sins, as Christ would. The people in this picture would not even consider such an action and the Jesus I know would still hold them accountable for their actions in this world until that time when they repented and asked for his grace.
There would be no reason for the existence of Hell if the version of Christ represented in many of these comments were the true Christ. It is not, however, and there is a reason for a Hell with people such as Osama in this world. I have full confidence that the Lord will hold them to account for their actions.
That muddled view of the world, that Christ would wash anyone’s feet, regardless of whether they have asked for his saving grace, is what leads us to this ridiculous climate we’re in now where people think there is no clear cut right and wrong. It’s moral relativism at it’s worst and it’s here for everyone to see in this comment thread.
Wake up, people..
November 16, 2007 at 17:56
Jesus knows what is in one’s heart. Do you think he would wash the devil’s feet? I think some here will not qualify.
November 16, 2007 at 17:57
Jesus continually shocked and amazed people back in the day.
This picture shocks me.
Who can say with Godly certainty that Jesus would not do it?
November 16, 2007 at 19:45
I don’t think anyone can say anything “with Godly certainty”, Pete. That’s not really the point.
Christ tells us in his Word that there is Good and there is Evil and he doesn’t love Evil. He never suffers Evil and he certainly wouldn’t bow down to Evil, for he knows the difference between Good and Evil.
Sadly, it seems many in this day and age do not..
Osama bin Laden is Evil. I think Christ might be likely to wash some of the other’s feet in this picture, but Osama represents, to me at least, the proud slaughter of innocent people in the name of God, and I believe quite firmly, based on the Scripture, that Jesus would not bow down to that.
But then I’m not really a Christian, in many ways, so what do I know.
If Christ would actually bow down and wash the feet of an evil murderer like Osama, then would not think he was worthy of my own praise and worship.
How ya like them apples?
November 16, 2007 at 20:59
Thank you! A powerful visual on what it truly means to call everyone your brother and sister.
November 16, 2007 at 22:16
First there is a lot of truths in the comments but without addressing every one let me say this. Let scripture interpret scripture. Matt 23:11 holds a key for us. Jesus ”...he that is greatest among you shall be your servant”. Just who was He speaking to? Answer – those who were serving Him. I don’t know about all of those depicted in the painting except Pres. Bush (in) and bin Ladin(out) but this was about ministry. Ministry = work! He died for all of mankind and will forgive them but they have to ask. OBL follows someone else and would not be invited to a foot wash nor I don’t think he would submit to one.
November 17, 2007 at 01:43
I agree that washing one another’s feet is in a Christian relationship with the body of Christ. We need to concentrate more on strengthening our bonds with our fellow Christians in the fellowship where we worship; maybe then we would be more effective in sharing the Good News of God’s love for “The World” and be obedient to Christ’s great commission instead of labelling others.
November 17, 2007 at 02:17
This is really complicated. I think one thing that we all need to remember is that the painting depicts an act of SERVICE, not an act of redemption or forgiveness; not communion; not baptism.
I am attracted to the idea that Jesus, in the person of you and I, MAY be called upon to perform an act of service for someone we dispise. The answer to whether or not Jesus would perform such an act for a person like Osama bin Laden lies not in images of heaven and hell and how we shall be judged in the final days. It lies in the story of Mary washing Jesus’ feet with her tears—Remember how the host, disrespecting Jesus—had FAILED to offer this courtesy? And in the story of The Good Samaritan, wherein the “righteous man” was the lowly and despised Samaritan who tended to the needs of his enemy. I’m afraid that the Bible quite specifically gives orders to the followers of Jesus to love our enemies and to do good to those who despitefully use us. It may be the only witness which contains the power to change those hearts. Our disdain certainly will not do it.
November 17, 2007 at 10:32
Jesus forgave the people who tortured him to death. He forgave people who did not ask for it.
So why on earth would we ever consider that he
would be unwilling to also wash the feet of anyone?
“If you torture me to death, I’ll forgive you, but I certainly would not also wash your feet.”
That doesn’t add up to me. God freely extends his forgiveness, humility and love to all of humanity. I think that he would wash the feet of OBL and say “Forgive him Father. He doesn’t know what he is doing.” THAT just might have an effect on OBL – who knows? THe point is, God’s ultimate weapon is the power of the towel not the power of the sword and that’s the weapon we Christians should start using.
November 17, 2007 at 11:45
I think many miss the point here and fail to think beyond the immediate context. That is, we live in a multifacited world and function in multiple contexts.
That God ‘is’ love and is incapable of not loving everyone is acceptable with me. That He asks me to be a reflection of Himself in our world is also agreeable. But to say that this act of service and love is in disregard to the need for civil authority is neither indicated by scripture and I hope, not by this picture.
In that we live in two kingdoms, the kingdom of God and the kingdom of this earth, we have obligations to both – render to ceasar…
So being loving and being strong are not mutually exclusive values, neither is washing Osama’s feet while dialing 911. The whole concept of authority need not be contexted in anger and hate but can be a means of helping the failing person to come to grips with their responsibilities. Wrestling the errant into submission can be a means of providing for them, thus loving them and the others they may injure if not presented to justice. The entire premise that justice is the opposite of mercy and love is not valid.
My pastoral life was preceeded by being a police officer. I had to come to grips with this at a rather young age. Can I shoot someone to save another’s life? Is that loving? Is that, in the dark recesses of human depravity ever necessary? My answer is, yes, yes, and yes.
Can I wash my enemies feet? Of coursem and if it does not work repentence in him and if he is still predisposed to destroy my world, can I then turn to render protection for those he would harm? Of course again!
It is not an either/or alternative.
Dave
November 17, 2007 at 15:55
Looking at Jesus washing the feet of these people is…humbling. We sure don’t agree with them, but it’s a good reminder to humble ourselves and instead of judging their actions or condemning them, pray for them and leave them in the hands of Jesus. We can not think of ourselves more higher than them because just like them, we’ve all sinned and fallen short and still Jesus has washed us white as snow. Jesus humbled himself to wash the feet of those who fall short, who He knew would betrey Him, who He knew would deny Him, who He knew would run when He was taken by roman guards. Are these people really that much different. Lets just humble ourselves and pray.
November 17, 2007 at 18:44
7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:7-9
I did find the picture offensive at first. I am not sure that I am not stil offended by it. But can I say that without a doubt this is not something Jesus would do? I cannot.
What is a greater sacrifice to wash feet or to die? Christ died for all of us. Whether we accept it or not. While THEY are still sinners – Christ died for them.
The same grace that set me free is available to them.
November 17, 2007 at 20:03
To love unconditionally is the charge we have here. What is the criteria for omitting those of us we consider undeserving?
November 18, 2007 at 22:20
Here is something that blows me away. Look at this picture and “listen” to Jesus’ words, “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father.” Would the Father also was the feet of OBL, or is he less sympathetic than the Son?
November 19, 2007 at 06:12
Love your enemies.
This art work is chillingly true to form!
November 19, 2007 at 15:47
I fully agree that Jesus cares about OBL’s soul, as well as the others in the picture. His sacrificial death on the cross would be a more appropriate example of that love.
The picture doesn’t bother me because it shows Jesus loves these people. It bothers me because I see others being put in the position of disciples who stuck with him through thick and thin (except Judas Iscariot) and putting them on an equal footing. Jesus was aware of Judas’ plans, and clearly let him know he wasn’t fooling Him.
Unless OBL and any other non-believers repent and follow the Savior, Jesus’ love will have no impact on their eternal destination. The picture implies otherwise by putting them in a setting designed for those in Jesus’ inner circle.
November 19, 2007 at 18:14
reality check folks…theology 101—Christ paid for the sins of ALL these people
...and you’re offended at the thought of Him washing their feet?
November 19, 2007 at 18:27
Reality check, Karen.
Christ died for the sins of ALL those people.
BUT,
They’re only forgiven when they ASK.
Feet-washing and the crucifiction are two entirely different meanings, different contexts.
November 19, 2007 at 22:00
I find it funny how the ones who don’t find offense to this picture are usually calm and collected. On the other hand, the ones who do find offense to this picture seem to be more aggresive as if they haven’t even considered the other side’s argument:
“If you think this picture depicts a positive image of Christ and by extension Christianity, then you are sorely misinformed and dangerously naive.”
“That muddled view of the world, that Christ would wash anyone’s feet, regardless of whether they have asked for his saving grace, is what leads us to this ridiculous climate we’re in now where people think there is no clear cut right and wrong. It’s moral relativism at it’s worst and it’s here for everyone to see in this comment thread.
Wake up, people..”
I wonder why that is?
November 20, 2007 at 10:53
I am very much offended by this picture. A very beautiful act of our lord has been taken and its meaning and relevance have been attacked in an insensitive manner.
When Jesus washed his disciples feet, he was showing to the world, his nature. He wanted his church to know her duty. The reason it is here on earth. It is for us he was demonstrating that.
Jesus never washed the feet of Barnabas, he never washed the feet of Herod, he never washed the feet of any ordinary people. He was washing the feet of his disciples who were being prepared to carry on the mission of taking the gospel. He was showing them that the feet of those who carry the gospel are indeed beautiful according to the prophet Micah.
What on earth would make someone think that he would wash the feet of Osama Bin Laden. Why would he wash the feet of George Bush, Manmohan Singh and others. Never did Jesus say that we should do anything like that to our leaders.
His act of washing the feet of his disciples in purely spiritual. Painting pictures like this according to one’s whims and fancies is going to cost so much.
November 20, 2007 at 14:23
I don’t think Jesus ever gave even .001th of the amount of attention to the political leaders of his day as he gave to the homeless beggars and lepers. I just can’t picture him paying any amount of attention to world-famous characters, be they moral or immoral leaders—Jesus clearly had his focus elsewhere.
November 20, 2007 at 15:28
Most of these comments seem to be putting God into some sort fo box… “Jesus wouldn’t do that” “There is no way God would care” “Jesus wouldn’t stoop this low”... Who are we to say what Jesus would do? Who are you to definetely say that there is no way Jesus would do that? Who are you?
November 20, 2007 at 19:19
For all those folks asking who are we to say what Jesus would or wouldn’t do – my point precisely. This picture is messing with Scripture, superimposing our own imaginations on it, and making it say something which is not there. Let’s keep Scripture where it belongs – in the “no spin” zone.
November 21, 2007 at 01:37
The scripture about what Jesus was doing gives me a hint at what it was all about:
“Do you understand what I have done for you? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
I think the day OBL etc, call Jesus Teacher & Lord, and they call Him rightly so, even if they do betray Him later on, then it would be pretty good to wash their feet.
Until then I reckon giving them a fire extinguisher may be more apropriate!
November 21, 2007 at 14:23
Del Simmons, I like those apples.
Jose, thanks for quoting me. But I really don’t appreciate the smug judgment that because you read what I write as somehow less ‘calm and collected’ than others, I am ‘aggressive’ and therefore … wrong. That’s specious nonsense.
Jesus is going to be really calm and collected when he comes back, eh? He was really calm and collected there in the temple. There was evil to be spoken against assertively … so He spoke and acted assertively. Yes, even aggressively. There will be more evil to vanquish finally when He returns. That will be quite an aggressive display.
So, you want to try to talk Him out of it since it falls outside the parameters of what you think is acceptable Christian conduct?
You wonder why ‘that’ is. It’s because you’re confused about what’s right and wrong and therefore don’t have the courage to stand boldly for the truth. It’s because you don’t understand that arguments are based on fact, not wondering, ill-informed whimsy.
Yours assertively;
David
November 21, 2007 at 14:30
Good word, Noah.
November 21, 2007 at 14:31
Ooo, Anna’s got it right. And she watches Bill.
Woot!
November 26, 2007 at 17:48
David,
I never suggested you were wrong, go back and read my post. I just noticed the difference and found it kind of peculiar. Personally I don’t agree with you, but that never came up in my last comment. All I said was “as if they haven’t even considered the other side’s argument,” “As if” being the key word there. Take it for what it said, not what you want it to say.
I enjoy the aggressiveness, and I do know Jesus will be very aggressive when He returns. So I don’t completely appreciate you asserting that I don’t have a strong faith in what I believe in. I know my opinion and I know right from wrong… and I stand by it. Just because it doesn’t reflect your views doesn’t make me wrong.
By the way, the picture doesn’t offend me one bit. I gave my reasons in previous comments, go read them if you want to know why.
December 3, 2007 at 16:16
I see nothing wrong with the picture. Jesus, even though he knew how people were still called them friend and he did at the last supper call Judas friend.