Late 3rd Century A.D. Painting of Jesus
Burial fresco from Priscilla, Rome
This painting was found on the ceiling of a burial chamber in Priscilla, Rome. It dates to the late 200s and is alleged to be one of the oldest Christian art works in recorded history. It’s noticeable for the depiction of Jesus being quite Roman, yet I’m not choosing this short post to talk about how we contextualize Jesus to our culture and times. Instead, I want you to pay close attention to the animals.
The first image that will come to your mind is of the Good Shepherd. This well known title for Jesus is given in the gospel of John, and it has long been a comforting image for Christians. In death, in burial and in life, The Good Shepherd will guide thee.
Yet look specifically to the choice of the animals.
The lamb on the shoulders of Jesus deserves mention, but if is the sheep and the goat on each side that jump out to me. It is a clear echo of Matthew 25. In that passage, Christ is the final judge and he will seperate the sheep and the goats. In Matthew’s depiction of the last judgment, it’s the treatment of those thirsty, sick or in prison that will factor into final judgment. Jesus contends that how you treat the least and the last has determined how you have treated him.
