“Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. There laid they Jesus…“
John 19:42-43
In my mind the place where Jesus was buried was always a sandy, empty place. I was surprised when I read this passage in John. Wondering if this would’ve been a real full, green, cultivated garden. And I was reminded of Mary who thought Jesus was the gardener. If that was the first thing she thought, it must’ve been a real, full, green cultivated garden, otherwise it wouldn’t need a gardener.
All this inspired me to make a painting to replace this old image in my head with a new one. I painted it from imagination, and only briefly looked at some middle eastern gardens online to have a bit of feel and idea before I started.
I don’t know if the actual garden was as full of flowers as in this painting, but that would’ve been wonderful if indeed it had been. It’s as if creation knew He was going to rise. It was already celebrating while we humans were crying, thinking it was the end.
Maybe that’s the thing about nature and the calm we often experience walking in the midst of it, that nature points us back to God, all the time. Telling us there’s always hope, a broader perspective, new beginnings and one day even an entirely new beginning for both nature and us. I’m looking forward to that!
And if you enjoyed reading this, I think you might like these things as well:
What We Can Learn From Birds
One thing I like about birds is that when the day is windy, they go...
A Conversation With Christ
One afternoon last week, feeling restless, leaning against my radiator, staring at the large blank...
Following The Voice of The Holy Spirit
Isn’t it amazing that God is there guiding us every tiny, little step on the...
How to Live Life To The Full
Did you know that Jesus gives us advice on how to live life to the...
Psalm 104 – You Are Wrapped in Light Like a Garment
GOD, my God, how great you are! beautifully, gloriously robed, Dressed up...
Giving Way to Life Abundantly
What beauty can come out of our own surrender and trust? What if we, like...
An Experiment on Living Like The Woman in Proverbs 31
I’ve been experimenting living like the woman of Proverbs 31. I never liked her much...
What If The Story Of The Transfiguration Actually Happened?
which is hard to believe, then that would change everything. Death would not be the...
The Chorus of Praise
With the first ray of sunlight one bird opens its eyes. Sees life. A leaf,...
One Thing You Can Do That Changes Everything
ow strange is it that Jesus calls himself a door? By walking through Him you...
3 Surprisingly Fun Ways To Read the Bible
If you struggle with reading the Bible, here are some things that helped me get...
A Few Ideas on How to Spend Time With God and Enjoy It
At times we don't know how to spend time with God. That's why I came...
Does God Really Supply All My Need?
I've wondered many times: Does God really supply all my needs? I found the story...
An Illustration on Life Before Earth
This illustration is based on the first verses of the gospel of John. I find...
Start Something Now
I want to learn to start something every time new ideas come to me. Naturally...
Mary and Martha
The Bible says that Mary sat down and listened to Jesus while Martha was ‘distracted...
Was Jesus’ Tomb in a Beautiful Garden?
In my mind the place where Jesus was buried was always a sandy, empty place....
Do I Think I’m Better Than You?
This photo is a collage I made as I was thinking about this scripture. It...
Waiting for The Holy Spirit
This is a summary of a Bible study I did as I was wondering why...
8 Ways To live a More Fruitful Life
The apostle Peter has given us a guide to living a more fruitful life. To...
What It Looks Like To Trust God
When I came across Jeremiah 17: 5-8 I was struck by the interesting and beautiful...
Create Abundantly
When I hear on the news that they’ve discovered a new fish, I always think...
Romans 8:35 in Illustration
How hopeful is this verse? Nothing can come between Christ’s love for us. It is...
Bible Summary in 60 Words
I actually wrote this once when I was confused about life and what to do....
Hidden with Christ in God?
This scripture is so interesting and mysterious. Did you know that you died when You...
On Hearing God
I notice that at times when I talk about listening to God, people look at...
You Are Loved With An Everlasting Love
At times we don't feel loved. Or like we don't deserve to be loved. How...