Gospel in Art: Something greater than Jonah is here

Table Base with Jonah Swallowed and Cast Up by the Big Fish, Sculpted in Asia Minor in early 300's © The Metropolitan Museum, New York

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 12 March 2025

At that time: When the crowds were increasing, Jesus began to say, 'This generation is an evil generation. It seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. For as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. The Queen of the South will rise up at the judgement with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgement with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.'

Reflection on the sculpture

Our sculpture is a 4th-century table base discovered in Tarsus, the birthplace of Saint Paul and a city of great significance in early Christianity. In the 1st century, Tarsus was a major Roman city in Cilicia, known for its thriving trade, Greek culture, and prestigious schools of learning. As the birthplace of Saint Paul, it held great significance for early Christianity, shaping Paul's education, cultural background, and missionary approach to both Jewish and Gentile audiences. The carving depicts Jonah at the moment he is cast out of the boat, just as he is being swallowed by a giant fish. This piece is particularly valuable not only for its biblical subject matter but also because it provides a rare and detailed depiction of a Roman merchant ship, offering insight into maritime life in antiquity.

In today's Gospel reading, the word 'sign' appears four times, emphasising its significance. To Jesus' disciples and the early Christians, the meaning of the 'sign of Jonah' would have been clear. Just as Jonah remained in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights before being delivered safely onto dry land, so too would Jesus remain in the tomb for three days before rising gloriously from the dead. However, while the people of Nineveh repented upon hearing Jonah's preaching, not all would accept the message of Christ-a truth that remains relevant even today.

In early Christian art, Jonah's story frequently appears because, in a time when the Hebrew Scriptures were not widely known among the Romans, it served as a covert symbol of the Christian faith. Unlike direct images of Jesus, which could have drawn unwanted attention from Roman authorities, depictions of Jonah's journey carried a message that only believers would understand, the connection between Jonah's three days in the fish and Christ's Resurrection.

Like Jonah, we are called to let God work through us. Though Jonah initially resisted his mission, he ultimately embraced his calling and grew in faith. May we, too, receive the grace to overcome our hesitations, trusting that God's plans for us are always greater than our fears.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-11-29-32-2025/ (with audio)