8  The Crucifixion

This is an interesting portrayal of the Crucifixion in not showing any blood or gore, or even agony, but a very peaceful Christ.  Perhaps, in spite of the extreme physical torture, the mental anguish of facing crucifixion was past.  The worst the world could do to him was almost over.  His arms seem to be raised more in blessing than in death.  Standing beside the cross are his mother and another woman, perhaps Mary Magdalene. (John 19:25-27)

Below are the nails and the crown of thorns.  Above is the ladder they used to take Christ down, the sponge of vinegar, and the spear with which the soldiers pierced his side.

The Resurrection

Early in the morning on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body more carefully, since they had rushed before to finish before the Sabbath.  She found the tomb empty and assumed the body had been stolen.  She stood weeping outside the tomb.  Someone, whom she assumed was the gardener, asked her why she wept.  She explained.  “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’  She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher).” (John 20:16)  Here, the Risen Christ stands outside the empty tomb with Mary Magdalene kneeling before him.  Mary has the jar of ointment she had brought with her.

The pomegranate above is bursting, spreading the seeds of new life which cannot be contained.  The peacock, at the top, is said to represent eternal life.  It is derived from Roman mythology and is not a common Christian symbol.  The only peacocks in the Bible belonged to Solomon.  However, it is a pretty bird.  The Phoenix rising from its own ashes is an import from Greek mythology.  It is an appropriate one, but still an import.

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