Who is Jesus?
One of my favorite scenes in all of literature takes place in the book "Anna Karenina." In the scene, Anna and Vronsky (a man Anna is trying hard to impress) are invited, by Golennischef (a man knowledgeable about art) to a private viewing of a young artist's (named Mikhailof) newest painting "The Christ before Pilate."
Upon arrival, the young artist nervously pulls the cover off his newest creation and proclaims to his small audience, "Here… is the Christ before Pilate." Immediately the art expert lauds the young artist's improving skill and the noticeable expertise of the piece. Anna, trying hard to impress Vronsky and show herself to be knowledgeable as well, fawns over the emotional impact of the painting. Anna and the art expert continue to dialogue about the admiration they have for the way the young artist captured the moment. Vronsky, however, doesn't share the enthusiasm of the group. When pressed by the young artist for his criticism, Vronksy replies, "You have painted a man-made God and not God made man."
The young artist, shaken to the core by this revelation responds, "I cannot paint any Christ except the one I comprehend."
My question to you today is this- what Christ do you comprehend? Man-made God or God made man? King of Kings and Lord of Lords or a "good guy"? Risen savior or myth? Someone you have to yell for in times of need or someone who walks with you every day?Is He distant or is He near? Who is Jesus?
