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Jesus Encounters Zacchaeus,
Dutch Delft plate by De Roos Factory,
Blue and white painted and glazed plate,
Executed 1690-1710
© Victoria & Albert Museum, London |
| Jesus entered Jericho and was going through the town when a man whose name was Zacchaeus made his appearance: he was one of the senior tax collectors and a wealthy man. He was anxious to see what kind of man Jesus was, but he was too short and could not see him for the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus who was to pass that way. When Jesus reached the spot he looked up and spoke to him: ‘Zacchaeus, come down. Hurry, because I must stay at your house today.’ And he hurried down and welcomed him joyfully. They all complained when they saw what was happening. ‘He has gone to stay at a sinner’s house’ they said. But Zacchaeus stood his ground and said to the Lord, ‘Look, sir, I am going to give half my property to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody I will pay him back four times the amount.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek out and save what was lost.’ |
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| | Reflection on the Dutch Delft Plate
In most of our daily reflections I select a piece of Fine Art (painting & sculpture), but rarely do we look at Christian depictions within the Decorative Arts (silver, porcelain, tapestries, furniture etc…) The main distinction between Fine art and Decorative art can be put as follows: Fine Art is primarily made for pure beauty or aesthetics; Decorative Art serves some practical function on top of this (silver for pouring wine; porcelain for eating; etc…). I particularly like it when a decorative arts object, such as the porcelain plate here, depicts some Christian theme. As today's plate is an object that serves a purpose (to eat from), this Christian imagery comes right at the very heart of our every day action (eating). With Fine Art, the items are always items somewhat remote, to be admired from afar or to be looked at; with decorative art items, they become very much part of our every day actions and activities.
And so Zaccheus, in today’s reading would have welcomed Jesus in his house and used plates and other every day objects to make Christ welcome and be hospitable towards Him. Zaccheus is someone we all like I think. He is a humble man, rather shy, didn’t want to draw any attention to himself. He just climbed up a tree to see Jesus. Yes, as Zaccheus’ heart was open, he ended up somewhere far beyond his expectations, with Christ Himself paying a visit to his house. Zaccheus could never have imagined that this would happen. Just imagine when we too humbly ask Jesus to pay us a visit, what could happen… It transformed Zaccheus, and his world was turned upside down. Same could happen with us…
When Zaccheus was watching from the tree, Jesus immediately knew what he really wished for in the depths of his heart, and invited himself over… That encounter changed Zaccheus’ life…and brought salvation to his house… to our house too if we are open for it…
by Patrick van der Vorst |  | |
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