Laughing Jesus, by Robert Wilson, Sr.
When we see pictures of Jesus, we usually see Him with one of two facial expressions…either with a loving smile or a suffering grimace. After all, He’s not only our loving Savior, but also our suffering Sacrifice.
But what about other emotions? John 11:35 tells us Jesus wept when he heard of Lazarus’ death. He was overwhelmed in the garden, angry in the temple, and gentle to the children.
Jesus got exhausted, and hungry, and frustrated with His disciples.
He was human.
And as a man, I’m sure there had to be moments when Jesus not only smiled, but he actually laughed, too.
And I get to see it everyday!
Today I’m thrilled to share my new Friday image, this beautiful painting, Laughing Jesus, created by my uncle, Robert Wilson, Sr. A print of the original hangs in my office, alongside other creations by Uncle Bob: Jesus carrying his Cross, Mary lifting baby Jesus toward heaven, a portrait of my Daddy in a Confederate soldier uniform. You can see why he’s an award-winning artist! (If you’d like to see some of Uncle Bob’s paintings and prints, you can check out the website at Robert Wilson Fine Art Paintings and Portraiture.)
I’m sorry that there aren’t any more prints of Laughing Jesus available, but my cousin, artist Robert Wilson, Jr, was able to locate a jpg of the picture so I could share it with you every Friday!
And each week, as we see Laughing Jesus on the page of Parting Words, I hope it’ll help us find a smile to end our week, even if it’s buried deep beneath a week of exhaustion. suffering, frustrations, anger, and tears.
After all, we are human. But we’re humans who are loved by a sacrificial, supernatural God.
And the thought puts a smile on my own face.
Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me.” John 8:42 NIV
