The Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus

Roman Christian sculptors (4th century) — 359 · Marble relief · Saint Peter's Basilica treasury, Vatican

“He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” — Daniel 3:25 (KJV)

About

Junius Bassus, prefect of Rome, died a new Christian in 359, and his marble coffin — the finest early Christian sarcophagus — carries ten scenes in two rows: Christ giving the Law, the entry into Jerusalem, Daniel, Abraham's sacrifice, and more.

The Meaning

A Roman aristocrat chose to be buried inside Bible stories. At the centre, the young Christ sits enthroned above the sky god's canopy, handing on God's Law — the prefect's real allegiance, carved for every funeral guest to read.

For Us Today

What scenes will sum up your life at its end? Bassus spent his honour pointing to Christ's story instead of his own. Live so that your funeral preaches Jesus, not you.

Image: Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons — the file’s page. Tap the picture to open the full-size original there.