THE UPPER ROOM: THE LORD’S SUPPER

Annie Winkler | Not for sale

Listen to Artist

THE UPPER ROOM: THE LORD’S SUPPER

Annie Winkler 

Original Acrylic on Wood, 40 x 20/ nfs 

Scripture reference: John 13-17 (Matt 26, Luke 22 & Mark 14)

Welcome to the Upper Room, Jesus’ final meal with his death on a cross looming and his heart greatly burdened. And Jesus served his disciples. 

I painted His garments and the background white and celestial to represents his holiness and righteousness. At the middle of the meal, Jesus shocks his disciples by washing their feet – notice the basin, cloth, and pitcher. Jesus intends his demonstration of humility to serve as an example. He tells the apostles of the betrayal by Judas (although not mentioning him by name because Jesus loved Judas). I painted Judas looking downcast and added a coin purse on the table near him. Jesus tells Peter that he will deny him three times before the rooster crows. See Peter’s tunic. John was present at Jesus’ crucifixion and was entrusted to care for Jesus’ mother. I painted a rose on his sleeve.

Jesus is holding the bread – His body broken for us. Next to him is a cup of wine – His blood, shed for us. We are invited to partake in this meal of remembrance each time we take communion. Christ’s atoning sacrifice, a meal with His closest friends is also given for us.

After being on display at church, this painting will be hung in my family dining room as a daily reminder of how my Savior, our Savior, never stops serving us with His sacrificial love.  

FEET

John Stiefer | Not for sale

Original Prose

Some years ago, I received a gift from my wife, Theres: a book of writing prompts. My favorites are the “single word” prompts, where there is no editing or rewriting. The initial draft is the final draft. This is what happened with “FEET” as I studied John 13-17. 

When my daughter was young, I washed her feet on many occasions. She loved to walk barefooted. When she came back inside, I’d wash those tiny feet with the water hose on the deck. 

As an adult, I once had my own feet washed. I was very uncomfortable and apprehensive. I grew up in a very regimented and strict home focused on serving – not being served. All of these experiences brought to mind the prompt “FEET.”

“FEET” is the product of prayer, writing, and seeking Scripture. I hope to create a sense of wonder, an exploration of the imagination, and a desire to dive deeper into His Word.

John 13:4-5: “So he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”

SERENITY

Michelle Jordan | $500.00

Watercolor on Canvas

This painting was inspired by the upper room in Scripture. The upper room was a place where Jesus taught surrender: "Not my will but yours be done." Jesus did the will of the Father. Doing God's will brings "serenity." 

By letting go of our plans and accepting what comes, we'll find peace. Surrender brings peace. It ends the fighting against this life and stops stress over the future. Laying down our lives as Jesus taught produces trust, hope and "serenity."

Job 12:7-10: "But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of everything and the breath of all mankind."

THE VINE OF LIFE

Howard Thompson | Not for sale

Original Photography

Shown here are two set of grapes. One is perfectly hidden in a feeling of “fog” with some distance between the grapes and viewer. The other (not so perfect) is immature with pits. Jesus said He was the vine and through Him we can bear much fruit. When one first comes to Christ (and often throughout our lives) we have a “glossy” idea of what the walk would look like. We notice those that have a better, more perfect walk (the perfect grapes). But life is not that way. It is full of false starts and pits. Some make it without major falls and some don’t. We have to lean on the fact that if we remain in Him, step by step, He will remain in us. We may not see ourselves bearing fruit today or tomorrow. But if we will remain in Him, on our way, we will touch others and new branches will be made.

John 15:5: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

THE WAY

Howard Thompson | Not for sale

Original Photography

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This picture is a composite of many images creating a one-way drive. The peaceful sunset shows a final ending of the journey. I could have removed the “divided highway” but chose to leave it since the journey is a choice. The start and end is clear with a specific direction (one-way sign in the word). But as the journey continues, the road may become less clear (notice the fog and loss of detail in the middle). It’s not always a straight path to the Father or eternal life. The road is not without obstacles, or as He said, “troubles” (the trees and bushes). But take heart, Jesus came to overcome the world. If we remain in Him, He will lead us home.

John 14:6-7: Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

John 15:5: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

UNLESS I WASH YOU, YOU HAVE NO SHARE WITH ME

Campbell Goldsmith | $100.00

Oil Painting and Oil Pastel on Canvas

While thinking of making a piece about the Upper Room, I was thinking through the passage of feet washing right at the beginning of chapter 13. Through reading and rereading I considered the quality of humility and care that Jesus displayed in this moment. He halts their dinner, he lowers himself, “He laid aside his outer garments and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” And there in the dirt our King sits to carefully tend to his companions' needs. Going before them, in perfect peace, he consoles Peter, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” And Peter responds gratefully to accept the gift. I think this scene so clearly paints the gospel -- Jesus’ great sacrifice in perfect humility, love and understanding, lowering himself to be where we are, with the intention to bring us to himself.

John 13:3-8: Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”