The people of the world come in all sorts of shapes, sizes,
colors, and “textures” (i.e. personalities). The
inlays of various kinds of wood in this sculpture signify
this great human variety. These different woods are set within
a cross to show that Christ was crucified to pay the penalty
for sin for all varieties of people. This fact is clear in
many places in the Bible, including Jesus’ own words
in John 12:32, “But I, when I am lifted up from the
earth, will draw all men to myself." “Lifted up”
was a first century expression meaning “crucified.”
“All men” is an expression that encompasses men,
women, and children from all corners of the globe. Cross of
the Nations, with its various wood inlays, visually conveys
how Christ died on the cross to “draw all men to”
Himself.
If you look closely at the sculpture, you’ll notice
reddish-looking wood inlays at the places where Jesus bled
on the cross: hands, feet, head, and side. The wood used in
these places is, interestingly enough, called “Bloodwood”
– a very fitting name for its application in this sculpture.
Jesus did indeed bleed and die on the cross. He did not merely
faint or enter into a coma as some early skeptics believe.
The shedding of His blood in His death is an important part
of His work on the cross, as is pointed out in Hebrews 9:22,
“In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be
cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there
is no forgiveness” (of sins). It is in part because
Jesus shed His blood on the cross that those who trust in
Him may receive the gift of eternal life.
As with many of my sculptures, I seek simplicity of design.
The bold, thick Brazilian Ebony that makes up the framework
of Cross of the Nations is simple enough. Yet simplicity does
not mean simple-minded. I made the Ebony framework thick and
substantial. I wanted it to give a sense of sturdiness and
substance intrinsic to Jesus’ work on the cross. The
deep, brown-black coloring of the wood also lends well to
this goal.
If you are part of “all men” (which you obviously
are), you can see in this sculpture Jesus’ offer of
eternal life extended to you. You can also get a basic idea
of what Jesus’ cross-work means to you – that
He shed His blood on the cross to pay the penalty for your
sins. Yes, even you! As Jesus said in the Bible in Revelation
3:20, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If
anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and
eat with him, and he with me” (emphasis added to point
out that you are part of “anyone”!). If you respond
to Jesus’ offer of eternal life and open the door of
your heart, Jesus will certainly forgive you and begin a close,
intimate relationship with you.
Rejoice in the salvation Jesus purchased for you as one of
the people of the earth. Trust in Him and figure yourself
as one of the unique wood ingots inlaid in this sculpture…and
then give Him thanks!
)
)
)
)
)
