Jesus welcomes the children
Jesus MAFA,
Cameroon 1973
JESUS MAFA is a response to the New Testament readings from the Lectionary
by a Christian community in Cameroon, Africa.
Each of the readings was selected and adapted to dramatic interpretation by the community members.
Photographs of their interpretations were made, and these were then transcribed to paintings.
This dramatic painting is full of joy—calling the viewer to be happy alongside the children running to Jesus.
We know from the gospel passage that the disciples were rebuking the people bringing the children to him. Jesus responds saying, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” Mark 10:14.
Imagine choosing a life of humility, one that recognizes the value in others and fully celebrates the beautiful differences and similarities we share as humans.
Imagine a world where the weakest and most vulnerable are not rejected but protected, heard, and valued.
Let us be like the children in this painting—eager to hear Jesus and accept his blessings.
Let us be like Jesus, accepting the vulnerable into our hearts and lives.
fr: Art in the Christian Tradition,
a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN
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