Gospel in Art: Jonah was in the belly of the sea-monster for three days

Jonah and the Whale, From a Jami al-Tavarikh (Compendium of Chronicles), Iran, 1400 © Metropolitan Museum, New York

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 18 July 2022
Matthew 12:38-42

Some of the scribes and Pharisees spoke up. 'Master,' they said 'we should like to see a sign from you.' He replied, 'It is an evil and unfaithful generation that asks for a sign! The only sign it will be given is the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was in the belly of the sea-monster for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights.

On Judgement day the men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation and condemn it, because when Jonah preached they repented; and there is something greater than Jonah here. On Judgement day the Queen of the South will rise up with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here.'

Reflection on the Persian Watercolour

The story of Jonah and the fish is not just popular in our Christian tradition but it is and was also very popular in the Muslim world ( see Qur'an (37:139). In Persian writings it was frequently illustrated in manuscripts of world history. Our artwork today is a large-scale painting, which never formed part of a manuscript however. Rather, it may have been used during oral recitation or storytelling, as an aid to sharing the story of Jonah. Scholars have also suggested that with its strong palette, monumental figures, and spare composition, this work may reflect a now-lost wall painting tradition. This drawing would have been a sketch for a large wall painting. Here, we see Jonah after his release from the belly of the fish. Above Jonah, we see a blossoming vine (sent by God to protect him from the elements) and, hovering across the top of the painting, there is a spirited angel with colourful spreading wings offering Jonah a garment.

In all three Synoptic Gospels (Mark, Luke, Matthew), Jonah is portrayed as a character foretelling who Jesus was. Jonah preached repentance to a reluctant people, just as was the case with Jesus. However, Jonah was met with an overwhelmingly positive response. Jesus on the contrary faced resistance and opposition. Another obvious parallel would be that just as Jonah was three days in the belly of the fish, so was Jesus three days buried in the tomb.

The Gospel writers mention Jonah, as Jonah's warnings to Nineveh required a response. Jesus' calling requires a response too. How do we respond?

"Jonah and the Whale", From a Jami al-Tavarikh (Compendium of Chronicles), Iran, 1400 © Metropolitan Museum, New York

LINKS

Christian Art: www.christian.art
Today's Image: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-12-38-42-2022/