This is one of our favourite masterpieces in the National Gallery off Trafalgar Square in London. What a privilege to visit and gaze and gape – for free!
Gerrit van Honthorst. "Christ before the High Priest."
(1617) National Gallery, London
Do double-click on the picture for an enhanced view.
Gerrit van Honthorst captures beautifully what it took for God to communicate with us.
See the contrast between the assumed authority of the High Priest and Jesus’ real authority.
What it took God to communicate with us? One of the answers is: meekness.
Meekness’ original meaning was something like ‘strength, harnessed’.
God’s power was all there, but He (graciously) chose not to expose us to its full force.
Jesus could have blasted the priest from here to kingdom come, but He knew why he was there: to display his love for everyone, including the man confronting him.
"Oh what a mystery, meekness and majesty
Bow down and worship for this is your God.
Meekness and majesty; manhood and deity
in perfect harmony
The man who is God, Lord of eternity, dwells in humanity
and washes our feet.
Father's pure radiance,
perfect in innocence, .......
conquering through sacrifice, and as they crucify prays Father forgive.
Wisdom unsearchable, God the invisible,
Love indestructible in frailty appears,
Lord of infinity, stooping so tenderly
lifts our humanity tot he heights of His throne
1986 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
