Wednesday, January 23, 2013

The Essence of Preaching Captured Visually

The picture below of Martin Luther preaching Christ (by Lucas Cranach) is one of my all-time favorites.  Notice what it communicates visually about preaching.  Luther has one hand on the Bible, reminding us that all preaching should be rooted in the Word of God.  The other hand is pointing to Christ and him crucified, the very heart of the redemptive message within the pages of holy Scripture.  And with the exception of one person looking toward us, everyone in the congregation has their attention focused on Christ as He is preached from the Bible.    

Luther Preaching Christ, Lucas Cranach, Wittenberg, St. Mary's Church, 1547
 Click here for a full resolution image of this painting.