At the end of a special Passover, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it and gave to His apostles saying, “Take, eat” (Matt. 26:26). “This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19).
This was the first of many times, in Jesus’s church, that bread would be broken in remembrance of Him. Each Sabbath that I am able to, I partake of bread and water as part of the sacrament. I do this because of my faith in Jesus Christ.
This painting highlights a few aspects of that faith with symbolism. The symbolism of the open tomb in the background reminds the viewer of Jesus Christ’s victory over death. The visible nail prints in His hands reminds us that He is very acquainted with the suffering of this world and that He is still aware of us here. Those nail prints also remind us of the steep cost demanded of Jesus Christ in order for Him to be awarded power over illness and death. His white robes remind us of His perfect and sinless nature. And lastly, the symbolism of Christ being the one offering the broken bread is meant to remind the viewer that He is the one offering these great blessings to us.
The one who paid the greatest price is the same who is freely giving to each of us the greatest gifts. I created this painting with the hope that the viewer would remember Jesus Christ a little more often and a little more deeply.
Reproduced from the artists original artwork of oil on board.
