He went out of His way to be with undesirable people. The poor, the sick, women and children were all considered less in society at the time. I like the story of when parents were bringing their children to be blessed by Jesus and his buddies were all upset, thinking the kids were bothering the LORD of all, but Jesus, said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Right before Jesus died he had his famous last supper with his friends. While the evening meal was being served, Jesus got up and wrapped a towel around his waist, poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel he had wrapped around him. After he was finished he said, "Do you understand what I have done for you? You call me "Teacher" and "Lord" and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you should wash one another's feet."
This blows me away, the Messiah, the King, as far as they were concerned, did the work of a servant, washing their feet. He didn't demand to be served, but came to serve. Jesus set the example for his followers to love and serve others. It's also a symbol of the work of the cross, but I won't preach at you, you can email me if you want to know about that.
This is my entry for Illustration Friday's theme, hero. It's a little piece I illustrated a while back for the Bible story of feeding the 5000. A boy shared his lunch, Jesus miraculously turned it into enough food to feed the masses.
And in case you are curious, these stories can be found in the book of Luke in the Bible.
Yeah...He's my HERO..strength in service and humility! This is so tender and beautiful. I appreciate your sharing it with us all!
Posted by: Becky Young | June 27, 2005 at 11:12 AM
"....from the ends of the earth , to the depths of the valley, to the highest mountain and i will proclaim - to the ends of time....and i'll give jesus glory that fits for His name....and i'll give Him honor that fits for a King and i will sing of His matchless works...."
I was touched by your post and illustration. Beautiful!
Posted by: isay | June 27, 2005 at 12:33 PM
He's my hero too! Great illo.
Posted by: roz | June 27, 2005 at 01:13 PM
Beautiful. Your style is great, and I like the colors.
Posted by: wynlen | June 27, 2005 at 02:44 PM
Great post and beautiful illustration.
Posted by: Michelle | June 27, 2005 at 04:17 PM
thanks for the sweet comments!
Posted by: Heather | June 27, 2005 at 07:08 PM
I love your style, as always. And I always love to hear what people are thinking when they create. Thanks for that, too.
Posted by: violetismycolor | June 27, 2005 at 07:17 PM
heather! this is so awesome! and the best interpretation of the theme, "hero" :) who better to illustrate? :) have a nice week!
Posted by: Jenny | June 28, 2005 at 10:33 AM
Hi Heather, I couldn't just lurk in and out while I read this. Jesus is also my hero, just wanted to stand up with you and say it.
~smiles~
...btw I've been visiting your blog for some time now and always come away feeling encouraged by it, thanks for that.
naomi
Posted by: naomi | June 28, 2005 at 02:51 PM
thanks girls for encouraging me this week! I appreciate all of your comments.
Posted by: Heather | June 28, 2005 at 04:07 PM
Beautiful. I love that story.
Posted by: Garth | June 28, 2005 at 05:53 PM
I always love your artwork. There is NO ONE more heroic than our Lord.
I love the story about the children. Whenever I am at work (retail) assisting a parent who has impatient cranky children I always think of this story and it gives me patience
Posted by: carolyn | June 28, 2005 at 07:30 PM
Beautiful illustration and perfect choice for the theme. He is a Hero, and so much more... :)
Posted by: Jamie | June 29, 2005 at 08:30 PM
Thank you Garth, Jamie and Carolyn!
Posted by: heather | June 29, 2005 at 09:31 PM
I like this...and your illustration was very touching. If only more people tried to act like Jesus.
Posted by: Emily | June 30, 2005 at 07:19 AM
this is beautiful. Jesus is my hero as well. perfect in every way :)
Posted by: erika | June 30, 2005 at 08:10 AM
I love your illustration of Jesus.
Just lovely.
Donna
Posted by: Miz Booshay | July 05, 2005 at 09:17 PM
Wow. How true everything you wrote is. I agree 100%I love your comments, the beautiful illustration, and the way you show that love in words and art. Keep creating!
Posted by: Amy Moreno | July 11, 2005 at 07:23 PM
I am a late commenter, but I want to say thank you for a beautiful post. He's my hero too and for exactly the same reason. His humility was his greatest strength. Blessings!
Posted by: Bettsi | July 21, 2005 at 03:25 PM