BYU's Museum of Art is featuring artist Carl Bloch's original altar pieces gathered from around the world.
The exhibit runs through May 7th 2011.
christ in gethsemane - 1879 - carl bloch
Bloch interprets the scriptural text with great sensitivity; the angel tenderly and compassionately embraces the Savior as He takes upon Himself the sins and infirmities of all mankind.
This scene is from Christ's agony in The Garden of Gethsemane, moments prior to his betrayal into the hands of the Roman soldiers.
Christ is overcome by emotion and feels the enormity of what he is about to undertake. He is veritably alone (Peter, James and John were sorrowful and unable to remain awake, Luke 22:45). Falling to the ground he cries, "Abba", which is the most intimate way to address God; the English translation is "Papa" or "Daddy." When my own children were ill or in pain, they would look imploringly for my help. I would see the pain in their eyes as they said "Mommy" and it would break my heart. I can imagine God experiencing this same emotion as his Son addresses him. Christ is in the throes of suffering, asking if it be possible that this cup pass from him, but then he submits to the will of the Father saying, not my will but thine be done. (Mark 14:32-42)
It was at this moment that an angel was sent to comfort him. (Luke 22:43-44)
I think many of us skip over this scripture, but Carl Bloch has brought it forward through his art. This is one of the most tender moments of Christ's sojourn on earth. He is in such agony that God mercifully sends an angel to strengthen him in preparation for his atonement of mankind. I can only imagine who this angel was. Indeed it must have been someone who Christ loved deeply and who could provide comfort during his tribulation in the Garden. This one event shows what great love (charity) God has for all of us.
"Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him."
~Luke 22:42-43
