"Of Such Is The Kingdom" holds a special place in the heart and artistic journey of Jordan Ring-Sakabe. As the first painting he crafted after embracing Christianity, this piece is not merely a reflection of Jordans newfound faith, but also a testament to the transformative power of Christs words in the New Testament.
Moved by the profound teachings of Christ, Jordan was inspired to create a visual narrative - a tangible legacy for his children, illuminating the source of true peace, strength, and eternal salvation. At the heart of this artwork is a portrayal of a young girl, bearing a striking resemblance to Jordans own children, in the midst of a divine revelation of Christs divinity.
The canvas captures a poignant moment: Jesus, in His resurrected form, tenderly holding hands with the mortal girl. This scene symbolizes the bridge between the celestial and the terrestrial, reminding us that even amidst our earthly existence, Christ is always within reach.
A nod to the heritage of the artists family, Christ is adorned in attire influenced by traditional Japanese garb. This detail underscores the idea that Christ reaches out to us in ways that resonate with our individual identities and cultures and is able to relate that with the girl in the painting, who is half-Japanese.
Drawing inspiration from the Gospel of Matthew (19:14), where Jesus declares, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these," this artwork exemplifies Christs boundless love for children and those newly born into faith.
Further details within the painting carry significant symbolism. The visible wounds on Christ denote His victory over physical death, a sacrifice made for all of humanity. The frayed rope draped over His shoulders tells another story - one of triumph over spiritual death, embodying the promise of eternal life and reunion with Him.
In its entirety, "Of Such Is The Kingdom" is more than a painting; its a message of hope, redemption, and Christs eternal love.
