In 1633, Dutch leader Frederick Henry, the Prince of Orange, commissioned Rembrandt van Rijn to paint The Raising of the Cross, a stunning Baroque masterpiece that vividly captures the moment when Christ is hoisted onto the cross during His crucifixion. One of the most profound aspects of this painting is Rembrandt’s self-portrait, inserted among the men raising the instrument of our Lord’s death. By subtly painting himself into the scene, Rembrandt turns the painting from a Biblical-historical depiction into a deeply personal confession. Known for his use of chiaroscuro (the dramatic use of light and shadow), Rembrandt illuminates only two figures in the composition—Jesus and himself—while leaving the rest shrouded in shadows. Author Russ Ramsey interprets, “Rembrandt wants us to know that while he believed all people had a hand in Jesus’ crucifixion… as far as he is concerned, the one whose guilt shines brightest in that affair is his own.1

The power of The Raising lies in its capacity to transcend a mere recounting of Christ’s sacrifice, transforming the scene into a lens through which viewers are invited to see themselves at the foot of the cross. Jesus died for the sins of all humanity, yes, but He died for you and me.

A similar idea is echoed in Stuart Townend’s 1995 worship song, How Deep the Father’s Love for Us. With its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, Townend places himself at the cross among those hurling insults at Jesus.

“Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders,
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life—
I know that it is finished.”

The simplicity of the melody enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics, allowing worshipers to internalize the truth that Christ’s sacrifice was not just for humanity in general, but for each of us individually.

Through brushstrokes, melodies, and lyrics, Christians are drawn into the redemptive story of God, and the depth and richness of God’s love are imparted directly to the soul—this is the power of the arts.

In its various forms—visual, musical, literary, film, media, and more—the arts serve as a vehicle to proclaim the Christian faith in ways that transcend language alone, to aid Christians in glimpsing the gospel’s grandeur. How deeply does art touch the human heart? In our most vulnerable moments, the great hymns of the faith provide comfort, allowing us to lean on God’s promises for strength. And even when the human mind begins to fail, often these melodies and truths tend to linger.

This Epistle issue delves into the enduring role of the arts in shaping our understanding of the Christian faith. As you read these pages, we invite you to join us in exploring how art, rooted in and as a reflection of God’s Word, deepens our worship, illuminates divine truths, and transforms our hearts.

1 Russ Ramsey, Rembrandt in the Wind: Learning to Love Art through the Eyes of Faith (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Reflective, 2022).

 

by Pastor Brad Rogers