The Russian artist Ivan Kramskoi captured the human Jesus, with a tired body and a ‘mind in struggle’. This Jesus may look unattractive to anyone ever tempted to take an easy path of avoidance in challenging times. But those who have embraced struggle and come through stronger may recognise this Jesus as a familiar figure and a source of strength. For he encourages us that in every small being there is true majesty to be found. Under the rags of our broken existence, a vital life-affirming force awaits.

A Lenten reflection based on a study of Ivan Kramskoi's Christ in the Desert, which can be viewed here: https://johndavies.typepad.com/blog/kramskois-christ-in-the-desert-under-the-rags-of-our-broken-existence-a-life-affirming-force-awaits.html.

A talk for The First Sunday of Lent, 6 March 2022.

Find the text to this and all my talks at bit.ly/johndavies-talks