The Crucifixion — The Rabbula Gospels

Rabbula of Beth Zagba (scribe-artist) (6th century) — 586 · Manuscript miniature on parchment · Laurentian Library, Florence

“When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!” — John 19:26 (KJV)

About

The Rabbula Gospels, written in Mesopotamia in 586, contain the earliest surviving crucifixion in a manuscript. Christ hangs in a long purple robe, eyes open, head up — flanked by the sun and moon, the two thieves, and the women below.

The Meaning

To early eyes the cross was not a defeat to soften but a throne to display: Christ reigns from the tree, awake and victorious even in death. The purple robe is a king's robe; the painter meant us to see a coronation.

For Us Today

Do not be ashamed of the crucified Christ — He is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:24). The world sees shame where heaven sees glory; side with heaven's reading of the cross.

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