New Painting
The painting was done by Professor William Bukowski of Bethany Lutheran College, who put a lot of thought into its composition. The panel on your right (Jesus’ left) shows Moses in a barren land. He holds the Law and stares at us in an accusing manner. The Law always condemns us, and leaves us without life. Yet the bronze serpent is behind him, pointing to Christ and reminding us that God provides salvation for all who repent in faith.
In the middle is one of the many “Reformation moments” in Jesus ministry—the Sermon on the Mount. In that sermon Jesus guides us away from human understanding back to the Word of God, saying: You have heard that it was said…but I tell you… The scene presents people from “every tribe and nation,” even some that look like us today. It is intended to remind us that Jesus came for all people, even us. The people are in a fruitful landscape, because they are at the feet of the giver of life.
The panel on your left (Jesus right) shows Martin Luther holding the Bible. Behind him stands a crucifix because the faithful pastor preaches Christ crucified. Luther looks not at us for righteousness, but to Christ. He stands in a lush landscape because the Gospel brings life.
How should we understand the use of a painting? Lutherans have always valued visual arts because they visually proclaim God’s word. Our painting is every bit as much God’s word as the meditations you read on a daily basis, a sermon, or a Bible History. Some will like the painting more than others, even as we all have our favorite translation of the Bible. But the painting clearly centers in Christ and draws us to Him.
Thank you Professor Bukowski, and may God richly bless your work!
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