Can you drink the cup?
In recognition of today which is Good Friday, named in honor of Jesus’ sacrificial death, I painted this for the Inspired Arts Ministry at our church— Snoqualmie Valley Alliance.
Several weeks ago I was reading in the gospel of Mark about a conversation Jesus had with two of his disciples. Jesus asked the two brothers, “Are you able to drink the cup that I drink?” As I considered this question, I quickly came to the conclusion that it would be impossible for anyone other than Jesus to drink that cup. The cup from which he drank represented His selfless, agonizing, sacrificial death on our behalf.
He left heaven on a rescue mission and came through time and space to take the form of a baby born of a virgin—so that he was fully God and fully human. He called himself the Son of Man because he came as a servant to all mankind, demonstrating a life lived in perfect submission and responsive obedience to his Father. He lived a sinless life, reflecting the perfection of the unconditional love and compassion of his Father in heaven. He came to die as the vicarious atonement for our sins, fulfilling the just demands of a holy God who can never condone sin. He paid the penalty for our sins, providing forgiveness to all who believe. And he became the vehicle through whom, that, which was most offensive to God within us, could be crucified with Christ, freeing us from the penalty and power of sin over us who believe (Romans 6:6 & Galatians 2:20).
It was Jesus, drinking this cup on our behalf that made me want to do this painting. As I did, the song kept going through my head, which was taken from an old Gregorian chant and put to music by Isaac Watts in the classic hymn.
When I survey the wondrous cross— on which the Prince of Glory died;
my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ, my God;
all the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to his blood.
See, from his head, his hands, his feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown.
Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.
When the Inspired Arts Ministry at our church invited art to be submitted illustrating some aspect of Henri Nouwen’s book, Can You Drink the Cup? I could not get beyond the image of Jesus being poured out as an offering on our behalf where “love and sorrow flowed mingled down.” But it is because Jesus first drank from this cup that we have the opportunity to drink from the cup of sorrows, blessings, and salvation discussed in Nouwen’s book. As for drinking from the cup to which Nouwen refers, I say, “Yes, by his grace, I am willing…” for “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.”
Absolutely beautiful Sally. What a gift God’s given you not only with your painting but verbally describing your thoughts and walk with your Lord Jesus. Keep painting and sharing.
Love it and love you!
Love this Sally,beautiful!!!
How faithful you have been in your artistic calling to share Christ’s love with others. Beautiful!
Sally!! WOW! What an incredibly POWERFUL piece! I am blown away by your talents! And to think God is using those talents in such wondrous ways gives me goose bumps all over…..as does your AMAZING artwork!!
Hi Sally:
Got the copies of An Alphabet of Promises I ordered through your website. Worked great. What a treasure.
Your painting is wonderful. Fits right in with this weekend. We’re planning on watching ‘Passion of the Christ’ with family.
Love to you and Steve,
Danny and Lisa
Absolutely beautiful and inspiring picture Sally. I love how you integrated your feelings about Jesus and how he gave his life for all people on this earth.
Thank you for sharing and for being the wonderful person that you are.
Love and hugs,
Nancy
Sally,
That was beautiful and so meaningful – we just finished viewing Mel Gibson’s Passion of Christ at church and come home to this. I think God’s trying to tell us something. Love the way you tied in my all-time favorite hymn with your art work and explanation. You never cease to both bless and amaze me.
Your one-man fan club.
Roy
Sally, this painting is so incredible. Such an inspiration, obvious that Jesus painted it through you. Love Henry Nouwen’ book, read it several years ago. What a blessing you are. Love, Rebecca
Beautiful. Chills. Thank you.
Wow, Sally! What an amazing, inspiring piece of art! You really give us a glimpse of the the cost behind that cup Jesus took up for us. Beautiful and powerful! Thanks for sharing your gifts with others.
Sally,
You undoubtedly know His message for you and all who believe.
Thank you for sharing a most-inspiring truth and one inspired from whom lives in you!
Grace and peace to you!
Susan Husa
Beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing. What an amazing God we serve.
Absolutely beautiful!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful painting and your awe inspiring words.
“Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.” Thank you Sally for being a lovely expression of what these words mean, and for letting the Lord use the wonderful talents He has given you to bless a world that needs to see and hear who He is and what He has done for us.
Loving you, Jerri
Sally,
God has gifted you in an amazing way. This is wonderful. You are an inspiration to everyone you touch.
Love you with all my heart.
Nikki
Your interpretation is so dramatic – what a powerful image! Being poured out on purpose, not spilled by accident.
Nicely done Sally. Christ’s love is certainly working thru you to positively impact others, in turn drawing all of us ever closer to God.
Sally, thank you for sharing this representation of His offering. Visuals are so helpful and yours is a gift. I also appreciate Krissy’s comment, “…being poured out on purpose, not by accident.” Love you!
Beautiful poetic picture and blessed words.