Gospel in Art: Jesus was teaching his disciples

The Insertion of a Tube, painting by Georges Chicotot, 1899 © Musee de l'Assistance Publique, Hôpitaux de Paris, France

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 25 February 2025
Mark 9:30-37

At that time: Jesus and his disciples passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, 'The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.' But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.

And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, 'What were you discussing on the way?' But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. And he sat down and called the Twelve. And he said to them, 'If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.' And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 'Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.'

Reflection on the painting

Today's reading tells us that Jesus was instructing His disciples. Jesus was not only preparing them for what was to happen to him at the end of his earthly ministry but he was also equipping them for their own missions. He was the teacher, they were his students. As long as Jesus was alive, they were physically united around him, learning every day, but soon they would be sent out to spread the Good News on their own. Jesus wanted to arm them for the task ahead.

Notably, this passage is framed by two accounts of blind men receiving sight (Mark 8:22-26 and Mark 10:46-52). Just as the blind are healed, so too are the disciples. They often struggle to grasp Jesus' mission, but gradually they too are given spiritual sight. Bit by bit, parable by parable, sermon by sermon, their understanding deepens. And yet, even for us today, the fullness of Jesus' love and mercy is beyond comprehension. The key is not to understand everything, but to remain open, responsive, and willing to be taught, and learn every day.

I recently came across a painting of a doctor instructing his students. In the scene, he demonstrates how to insert a tube, while both senior doctors and eager students look on, hungry to learn. This image beautifully mirrors our journey of faith. Just as medical students must have a deep desire to grow in knowledge, so too must we cultivate a hunger for Christ. Prayer is essential, of course, but so is the willingness to be instructed and to keep learning. It is in this openness that our spiritual sight is strengthened.

Georges-Alexandre Chicotot was a French physician and painter, notable for being also one of the world's first radiologists. Yes some people are truly talented and gifted! He trained as a painter at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, making his Salon debut in 1880, and continued to exhibit genre paintings throughout his career. In the 1890's, Chicotot began painting medical scenes, primarily for documentary purposes, often focusing on medical instruments and their use. Chicotot's unique combination of medical practice and artistic talent provides valuable historical insights into late 19th century medical procedures.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/mark-9-30-37-2025/