In the Louvre in Paris...
Illustration
In the Louvre in Paris, there hangs a painting by fifteenth-century Dutch artist Gerard David titled The Marriage at Cana. In Rotterdam, another fifteenth-century Dutch artist, Hieronymus Bosch, has one of his pictures on display: Marriage Feast at Cana. Both works depict the first miracle Jesus performed. What is interesting about these visual representations is that all the characters are dressed in the typical garb of fifteenth-century Europe, sitting at table appointed with the plates and utensils common of the Renaissance period. The only thing suggestive of the first-century setting of the miracle at Cana are the stone jars sitting on the floor and the figure of Jesus. Could it be that these artists are sending their patrons a message? What Jesus did in his day is effective for us in our day. What Jesus gave to his contemporaries at that feast is available for us today. By faith we are at table with him and by faith we receive the gifts he has to offer -- today.
