Gospel in Art: No one knows the Son except the Father

The Dancing Couple, by Jan Steen, 1663 © Widener Collection, National Gallery of Art, Washington

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 5 July 2026
Matthew 11:25-30

At that time Jesus declared, 'I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.'

Reflection on the painting

If we were asked to identify the greatest treasures in our lives, most of us would place people near the very top of the list. Family members, close friends, those who have accompanied us through life's joys and sorrows... these are the relationships that give meaning and depth to our lives. Material possessions have their place, but it is human relationships that truly sustain us.

In today's Gospel, Jesus speaks of the most precious relationship of all: His relationship with His heavenly Father. He describes it as a profound mutual knowing: "No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son." In the language of Scripture, to know someone is far more than simply to possess information about them; it means to be united in love.

Yet this divine relationship is not closed in on itself. God's desire is not to keep the love between Him and His Son to Himself, but to draw us into it. There is an important lesson here for our own friendships and relationships. Deep friendships are among God's greatest gifts, and there is nothing wrong with having a small circle of people to whom we are especially close. Yet authentic friendship should never become exclusive or closed in on itself. True friendship expands the heart rather than narrowing it. Just as the love between the Father and the Son overflows towards others and invites others into that communion, so our friendships should make us more welcoming, more generous and more attentive to those around us. The strongest friendships are not those that build walls around themselves, but those that become a source of encouragement, hospitality and kindness for others. Love, by its very nature, is always seeking to be shared.

Our painting today is The Dancing Couple by the great Dutch artist Jan Steen, painted in 1663. At first glance it appears to be a lively family celebration, full of laughter, music and movement. Beneath a vine-covered arbour, a young man leads his dancing partner by the hand into the centre of the scene. Around them gathers an entire community. Friends sit around a long table sharing food and drink. Musicians play the violin and flute. Children play with their toys and watch the festivities unfold. Neighbours chat across a wooden fence. Even figures lean from the windows of the house to join in the merriment.

What makes the painting so appealing is that no one is isolated. It depicts friendships shared. Not friendships closed in on themselves. Everyone is welcome to share in the festivities. The painting becomes a celebration not simply of romance, but of friendship, family life and community. Yet Steen also reminds us that earthly joys are fleeting. Scattered in the foreground are broken eggshells, cut flowers and other objects that seventeenth-century viewers would have recognised as symbols of life's transience. The message is subtle: cherish the gift of friendship and family while you have them, because these moments do not last forever.

LINKS

Christian Art: https://christian.art/
Today's reading: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-11-25-30-2026-3/