HOLY WEEK FLORA
Michaela Simon 2021 / Australia / Watercolour
Holy week through the lens of God’s creation.
Seeds sprouted, grew into plants, were plucked, crushed, laid down, baked and nailed as God’s own creation was used to bring to fruition the wildest show of love in history.
From the plants used in a way that exposed humanity’s penchant to dishonour the creation we were given care of, to the flora used as symbolism of our redemption.
The narrative of Jesus was filled with moments of celebration, connection, horror, acceptance, agony, sacrifice, love and miracle.
He rose again. He is King.
PALM
They lay the palm branches at his feet, rejoicing. Something was shifting. As he entered their midst the city was shaken. They asked, "Who is this?". Prophet, healer, storyteller...Saviour.
"Then the crowds who went ahead of Him and those who followed kept shouting: Hosanna to the Son of David! He who comes in the name of the Lord is the blessed One! Hosanna in the highest heaven!"
Matthew 21:9
GRAPES
& WHEAT
"Do this in remembrance of me" he said, breaking bread with his closest.
Sitting with their denial, their betrayal, as well as their human love.
They broke bread with him who IS love. Sitting with his faithfulness, his truth, as well as his forgiveness.
"As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take and eat it; this is My body." Then He took the cup, and after giving thanks, He gave it to them and said, "Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood that establishes the covenant; it is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins."
Matthew 26:26-28
ROSES OF
GETHSEMANE
In the garden.
His blood watered the ground as he prayed through his horror. Knowing what was to come he held the cup that bears my name.
And he didn't drop it. He didn't give it away.
"Then He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and began to pray, 'Father, if You are willing, take this cup away from Me–nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.'"
Luke 22:41-42
EUPHORBIA MILII /
CROWN OF THORNS
They accused him of being who he is. Calling him by his own name 'King'. Crowning him in abuse, mockery, and thorns.
He endured suffering from the hatred, pride, and fear of others.
All the while He loved still.
"They dressed Him in a purple robe, twisted together a crown of thorns, and put it on Him. And they began to salute Him, 'Hail, King of the Jews!'"
Mark 15:17-18
PINE, CYPRESS & CEDAR
He was crucified on something built of the creation he'd witnessed, by the people he'd come to save.
The mockers mocked. Darkness fell. The earth quaked and he breath his last.
"But Jesus let out a loud cry and breathed His last."
Mark 15:37
BOSWELLIA & COMMIPHORA /
FRANKINCENCE
& MYRRH
They gathered the spices needed for his burial, reality setting in as they approached the tomb to continue their mourning.
Reality as it happens is intertwined with miracle. The tomb was empty, the angel waiting, and death was unsuccessful for he is ALIVE.
"On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They went in but did not find the body fo the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly the two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground. 'Why are you looking for the living among the dead?' asked the men. 'He is not here, but He has been resurrected!'"
Luke 24:1-6
OLIVE / MT. OLIVET
And so he is alive. He spent more days on earth with them, eating with them, speaking with them, being with them.
Jesus rose further still to his rightful place. After he had encouraged them and strengthened them. Taught them, loved them, and sent them.
And so it is for us too. He is alive now. We are sent now. We are loved now.
"Then He led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up His hand He blessed them. And while He was blessing them, He left them and was carried up into heaven. After worshiping Him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy."
Luke 24: 50-52
