Gospel in Art: A servant is not greater than his master

The Fall of Icarus, by Jacob Peter Gowy, 1635 © Museo del Prado, Madrid

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 15 May 2025
John 13:16-20

After Jesus had washed the feet of his disciples, he said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, "He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me." I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.'

Reflection on the painting

Today's Gospel reading speaks clearly to us about the danger of pride. "No servant is greater than his master," Jesus reminds us. Pride draws us into self-centredness, turning our focus inward and away from God. It tempts us to seek praise, attention, and validation from others, making our sense of worth and happiness dependent on fleeting human approval rather than on the steadfast love of God. When our joy is rooted in earthly recognition, it becomes fragile-easily stolen when applause fades or when we are overlooked. Pride not only robs God of the glory due to Him, but ultimately robs us of lasting peace and contentment.

A striking example of pride's downfall is found in the ancient myth of Icarus. Ignoring his father Daedalus' warnings, Icarus flew too high, intoxicated by his own ambition, seeking to soar ever closer to the sun. But the heat melted the wax that bound his wings, sending him plummeting to his death. In Jacob Gowy's dramatic painting, we see Icarus in the very moment of his fall. His arms are flailing in prideful exhilaration, unaware that his feathers are already gone, leaving him powerless. To the left, the bearded Daedalus watches helplessly as his son tumbles into the void, a poignant image of both pride's consequences and the sorrow of a father unable to save his child. Gowy, who collaborated with Rubens in the 1630s on commissions for the Spanish King, clearly draws from Rubens' flair for theatrical composition, filling the canvas with dynamic movement and emotional tension. The inclusion of the two small figures on the beach (Daedalus and Icarus preparing for flight) serves as a quiet reminder of where misguided ambition begins.

In contrast to Icarus' prideful ascent, Jesus calls us in today's Gospel to embrace humility. True humility frees us from the exhausting pursuit of recognition. When we are humble, our happiness is no longer tied to whether others notice our efforts or applaud our achievements. Instead, we become secure in knowing that our worth comes from being children of God, not from human approval. Humility lifts the burden of constant self-promotion and quiets the anxiety of needing to be seen. It allows us to shine with grace, regardless of our circumstances, because we no longer seek to elevate ourselves, but to serve, just as Christ Himself did. In humility, we find a joy that pride can never offer: a joy rooted not in soaring too close to the sun, but in walking faithfully on the shores, alongside the Son of God.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/john-13-16-20-2025/ (with audio)