Boy Jesus in Temple
Given by Meg and Devon Carter
On the Scroll:
“Then said I lo I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me I delight to do thy will O my God. Yea thy law is within my heart." Psalm 40 Verse 7
This is an icon that shows the young Jesus in the temple-astounding the teachers. It is the only story we have of Him as a child, and is only found in Luke.
Sister has done an unusual and brilliant thing by not using Luke 2:41-42 which is the text that tells this story. Instead she has chosen texts that deal with the Jewish law, which is what Jesus and the teachers would have been discussing. The scroll with the Old Testament quote and the Star of David enforces this.
Later he will say “Think not that I come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy but to fulfill.” Matthew 5:17
This took place inside the temple but is not shown here inside a building, but outside.
Icons never have inside scenes, because that would show depth (against reverse perspective) and the flow of energy is always outward to the beholder.
It is important that Jesus is seated because Rabbis usually taught seated. No ordinary child would be allowed this privilege. Each Synagogue had a chair often called “Moses’ seat” where the rabbi would sit when teaching with authority. (we would say “ex Cathedra”)
Jesus’ halo is wonderfully ornate- with the letters OWN or sometimes WON. Only Jesus has these letters in His halo and they stand for the divine name “I AM”
Sister is so detailed in all of her work. Please note the elaborate detail in the floor in the foreground.
There is a story behind the Cross above the head of Jesus. That Cross was given to Sister as a gift for her Mother, but she just had to put it in the icon. We sent her Mother another cross on Sister’s next trip.
-Sandy Kezar
“Then said I lo I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me I delight to do thy will O my God. Yea thy law is within my heart." Psalm 40 Verse 7
This is an icon that shows the young Jesus in the temple-astounding the teachers. It is the only story we have of Him as a child, and is only found in Luke.
Sister has done an unusual and brilliant thing by not using Luke 2:41-42 which is the text that tells this story. Instead she has chosen texts that deal with the Jewish law, which is what Jesus and the teachers would have been discussing. The scroll with the Old Testament quote and the Star of David enforces this.
Later he will say “Think not that I come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy but to fulfill.” Matthew 5:17
This took place inside the temple but is not shown here inside a building, but outside.
Icons never have inside scenes, because that would show depth (against reverse perspective) and the flow of energy is always outward to the beholder.
It is important that Jesus is seated because Rabbis usually taught seated. No ordinary child would be allowed this privilege. Each Synagogue had a chair often called “Moses’ seat” where the rabbi would sit when teaching with authority. (we would say “ex Cathedra”)
Jesus’ halo is wonderfully ornate- with the letters OWN or sometimes WON. Only Jesus has these letters in His halo and they stand for the divine name “I AM”
Sister is so detailed in all of her work. Please note the elaborate detail in the floor in the foreground.
There is a story behind the Cross above the head of Jesus. That Cross was given to Sister as a gift for her Mother, but she just had to put it in the icon. We sent her Mother another cross on Sister’s next trip.
-Sandy Kezar
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St. Mary's Episcopal Church - Tampa, FL
4311 West San Miguel Street Tampa, FL 33629 (813) 251-1660 churchoffice@stmarystampa.org Summer Worship Schedule 10 a.m. Blended Sunday Worship Schedule 8 a.m. Contemplative 10 a.m. Blended |
