Art and scripture can work hand in hand to share and reinforce religious beliefs, and this year the MOA is selecting new artworks each week to accompany each chapter of the Come, Follow Me program. Below you'll selections for this month alongside commentary and questions written by members of the MOA team. 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.
May 29 - June 4
“This is my body,” Jesus explained as he passed around broken bread to his disciples. We often don’t pause to think too deeply about this metaphor, but this sculpture by Polish artist Roman Śledź brings the symbolism into focus. Christ stands at a table, surrounded by his seated apostles, as his own bleeding, cruciform body simultaneously lies in front of them. “Take," he invites, "eat.”
The ritual of the Lord’s Supper takes place in various forms in Christian denominations throughout the world and is of great significance to millions. Why do you think Christ chose bread to represent his body?
June 5-11
Early in Jesus’ ministry, he commanded to “Love your enemies… as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise” (Luke 6: 27, 31). Near the end of his mortal life, he taught something that may seem even more difficult: “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:12).
To love like Christ may appear unimaginable, but as we look closely, we can witness countless acts of Christlike love every day in the actions of others. In this etching by Alphonse Legros, we see just such an act; a woman offers a small token of generosity to someone less fortunate.
What is one thing you can do to show Christlike love today?
June 12-18
In one of the most heartwrenching passages of the New Testament, Luke reveals how, after denying knowing the Savior three times, “Peter went out, and wept bitterly.”
In this etching, Carl Bloch depicts this harrowing moment of vulnerability with Peter’s face buried in his hand in anguish. It’s hard to imagine that this man would once again become one of the Lord’s most valiant servants, but that’s precisely what happened.
Failure can either teach us or hold us back. How can we ensure we learn from our mistakes?
June 19-25
In this damaged wooden crucifix, the figure of Jesus is filled with woodworm holes and is missing one of its hands. These accidental scars, evidence this crucifix was lovingly used, serve as a reminder of the literal broken body of Christ before his resurrection, the price of the mission he came to fulfill, and the purpose behind his suffering. In the words of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “the arms of the Savior were stretched wide open and then nailed there, unwittingly but accurately portraying that every man, woman, and child in the entire human family is not only welcome but invited into His redeeming, exalting embrace.”
Which artistic portrayal of the cross is most meaningful to you and why?
