Gospel in Art: Follow me

"The Broad and the Narrow Way", English version of the German pietist image 'Der schmale und der breite Weg', anonymous artist, published by Gawin Kirkham, printed by Headly Brothers, 1883 © Alamy

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 30 June 2025
Matthew 8:18-22

At that time: When Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. And a scribe came up and said to him, 'Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.' And Jesus said to him, 'Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.' Another of the disciples said to him, 'Lord, let me first go and bury my father.' And Jesus said to him, 'Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.'

Reflection on the Lithograph

Just before today's Gospel passage from Matthew, Jesus had healed Simon Peter's mother-in-law and many others suffering from various illnesses. His miracles sparked a wave of excitement, and as our reading begins, we find him surrounded by great crowds, drawn by the wonder of his healings. In the midst of this growing popularity, a Jewish scribe steps forward and enthusiastically declares that he will follow Jesus wherever he goes. It is easy to imagine the scribe's eagerness; who wouldn't want to follow someone performing such astonishing acts? Yet Jesus responds with a sobering truth: "The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." In essence, he is saying, 'this path you want to walk is not always filled with joy and wonder, there is hardship ahead.'

Jesus recognises that many are drawn to him when all is going well, but true discipleship demands more than enthusiasm in times of success. It requires commitment through difficulty and uncertainty. The Christian journey includes moments of brightness, but also times of darkness, confusion, and loss. Just as couples pledge fidelity to one another on their wedding day "for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer," so too are we invited to follow Christ with the same steadfast love, through calm and storm alike. Christ does not promise comfort, but he does promise his unwavering presence. And so, he calls us not only to walk with him when the road is smooth, but to remain beside him when the path is narrow and steep.

Our moralising print issued in 1883 offers a vivid allegorical panorama, illustrating the stark choice between worldly pleasure and virtuous living. The composition is divided into two contrasting paths. On the left, a grand, wide gate opens to the enticing road of earthly delights. Its path is smooth and alluring, but drawing crowds toward distant mountains consumed by fire and destruction. The sky above this side grows increasingly ominous, symbolising the ultimate ruin that follows a life of indulgence. In contrast, the right side presents a narrow, humble gate, barely noticeable, leading to a steep and arduous road. This path winds past a cross, traversing bridges, valleys, and rocky terrain, symbolising the trials of a virtuous life. Yet above it, the heavens glow with peace and light, revealing that this difficult road leads to eternal joy and union with God. The contrast between darkness and light in the sky above each path powerfully underscores the eternal consequences of our choice: to follow Christ or not.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-8-18-22-2025/ (with audio)