Woman at the Well (John ch. 4)

I really like Christian Art that accurately portrays Bible scenes and helps me to imagine it as if l were witnessing it taking place. I feel like this painting is somewhat accurate, but it fails to capture many important aspects of the situation. I think that the painting correctly portrays the personal attention and intimacy that Jesus gave to the woman. But the environment is inaccurate. It is almost Eden-like. The surroundings are too clean. The rocks that Jesus is sitting and putting his foot on are too well defined. Their white garments and feet are clean even though they are in a dusty desert. Everything seems too perfect. The picture also doesn't portray any of Jesus' human experiences. In the story Jesus was tired and thirsty after a long walk, and he needed water and rest; but in the painting he looks as if he is well hydrated and refreshed. The light shining on him helps to capture a sense of his divinity, but the painting never captures a sense of his humanity. The almost Eden-like environment and beautiful condition of both him and the woman fail to grasp the struggles that Jesus had to go through. In reality Jesus was probably dirty from the dusty road, thirsty and in need of water, and very hungry because he was fasting. I give this painting a D because it at least captures the personal love that Jesus had for this random woman that he just happened to meet at the well. However, one of the spectacular things about the story of “the Woman at the Well” is that Jesus cared more about her than he did himself. He was in need of food, water, and rest, but his love for souls pushed him to forget about his self-interest. His environment was harsh, and the son of God experienced the frailties of living in human flesh; yet our great commander pushed on, he accomplished his mission by overcoming sin and selfishness, and by preaching good tidings to the poor and needy.