Jesus as Shepherd: Images
Adult Object Lesson: Part 2
In yesterday’s post, which was our weekly object lesson idea for adult listeners, we proposed having your congregation draft a résumé for Jesus.
Modern résumés often included visuals and your resume for Jesus can take advantage of this.
We suggested that your listeners consider attaching a photo of Jesus as shepherd to their résumé to enhance your congregational discussion.
Images abound on the internet. We’ve chose a few that have varying nuances.
The topic is one of the earliest to be depicted in Christian art.
Here is an Eastern religious icon.
There are more familiar depictions. The painting by German artist, Bernard Plockhorst, has been reproduced in stained glass art in sanctuaries all across America. Note the mother sheep nudging at Jesus left hand as if to encourage him to care for her lamb he is carrying. (See yesterday’s post.)
There are comforting presentations. In this image, Jesus pays careful attention to the youngest in the flock.
Here are two depictions that were published in France as prayer cards, probably in the 1800s.
The flock is chained to the cross. In the second depiction, Jesus seems to be engaged in work. There is intentional effort in his love.
Here we have a pensive Jesus. He is thinking of more than the sheep’s physical needs.
Last, we add a proactive, risk-taking Jesus, who under the shelter of an eagle’s wings risks his safety to reach out to sheep in danger.
Which image would you choose for Jesus’ résumé?