Gospel in Art: Take up your cross and follow me

Love, painted by Larry Cole, 2010 © Larry Cole Art

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 21 February 2025
Mark 8:34-9:1

At that time: Calling the crowd to him with his disciples, Jesus said to them, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.' And he said to them, 'Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.'

Reflection on the painting

In today's Gospel reading, Christ calls us to take up our crosses and follow Him. The cross is the ultimate symbol of Christianity, inspiring countless artists and craftsmen throughout history. Today's artwork, by contemporary American artist Larry Cole, presents a strikingly unusual interpretation of the cross. In the painting, a young man is not merely carrying a cross-he is inside it, fully enveloped, almost consumed by it. His struggle is palpable, yet above him, the risen Christ reaches down to lift him. To the right, a single nail from Christ's crucifixion is visible, a reminder of the suffering he endured. Meanwhile, Christ Himself is upheld by the hand of His Father, symbolising divine strength.

The painting beautifully illustrates the interconnectedness of our faith: we come to God the Father through His Son. It is only through the Son's suffering that we are able to reach the Father. Though visually simple and easy to interpret, the artwork carries profound theological depth, encapsulating the core of Christian belief in a striking way.

In today's reading, Jesus tells us: "If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me."But what does it mean to deny ourselves? Christ is not asking us to deny our identity, personality, or humanity. Rather, he is inviting us to surrender control, to trust in God's greater plan. Following Jesus means recognising that he is in charge of our lives, not us. He holds the ultimate vision, the greater purpose, and the deeper meaning for each of us. When we take up our cross, we do not carry it alone, Christ is always there, lifting us when we fall, guiding us forward, and leading us into new life.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/mark-8-34-9-1-2025/