A special Easter message and readings from Exodus
Our artistic journey through the Old Testament continues! Here you'll find our selected artworks and commentary to accompany this month's Come, Follow Me readings. Remember, you can also subscribe to get email reminders when new artworks are ready or follow along weekly on Instagram or Facebook. We hope that art-lovers everywhere will be inspired by these artworks as they complement their gospel study, family discussions, and church classes with fine art from around the world.
March 30 - April 5
During the Easter season, modern day disciples look back to Christ’s Atonement and Resurrection while simultaneously contemplating the faith of ancient believers who looked forward to the Savior. Many Old Testament prophets foretold His suffering—yet on the other end of history, our faith is centered on remembering this gift we have already received.
In his contemporary depiction of the Resurrected Christ, David Habben uses commonplace materials and simple forms to show how the Atonement of Jesus Christ is accessible to all. As He rises victorious over death, enrobed in white and crowned with a radiant halo, the Savior reminds us that He is the “light of life” (John 8:12).
How can you share the Light of Christ as you meditate upon His suffering, death and Resurrection this Easter?
April 6-12
This etching shows Moses (arrayed in light) and Aaron (wearing priestly robes) as they petition the Pharaoh to liberate the Jewish people. Although we are not faced with the same plagues as the Egyptians, we too may have times when following God seems hard to do. In such circumstances, divine intervention can help us to “know that there is none like unto the Lord our God.” (Exodus 8:10)
The Jewish artist Marc Chagall, born Moishe (Moses) Shagal, may have related to this. He lived through two world wars, fled his homeland, lived as a refugee, and lost loved ones as a result of European antisemitic regimes. Even as he lived through these trials, he held strong to his hope, seen in the light of God’s promised deliverance that envelops Moses. “Despite all the troubles of our world, I have never abandoned in my heart the love in which I was brought up, or the hope of man in love. In life, as on the artist's palette, there is only one color that gives meaning to life and art: the color of love." - Marc Chagall (1887-1985)
April 13-19
Throughout their exodus in the wilderness, the Israelites faced trials and hardships of every kind, yet they were constantly delivered by God. Even when they complained and doubted, Moses knew that “the Lord is greater than all gods" (Exodus 18:11) and continually stood as an example of faithful determination for his people. His efforts to lead the Israelites according to God’s will can inspire us to raise the banner of faith in our own lives.
This is sometimes easier said than done. Colby Sanford’s anonymous saint depicted here illustrates the difficulty that we may encounter during our own mortal journeys. Though we may feel “the weight of the banner” while trying to live our faith in a difficult world, the halo encircling his head is a reminder that God is with him, and each of us.
How has God empowered you to bear the weight of His banner?
April 20-26
In the top right corner of this panel from Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise, Moses receives the Ten Commandments from God and a host of angels, while the Israelites crowd the base of Mount Sinai. Some rejoice, some cower in fear, and others pay no attention to the miracles happening around them. Although the same commandments are given to all in this group, their reactions and obedience vary.
Because of His love for all of us, God’s commandments are for each of His children, with blessings available as we choose to be obedient. The Lord has promised that we will be “a peculiar treasure” (Exodus 19:5). If we are covenant keepers, He allows us every opportunity to repent when we need through His Son, Jesus Christ.
How does Jesus Christ help you keep the commandments?
