O Jerusalem: A Reflection on Christ’s Compassion and the Power of Stillness

In O Jerusalem (1994), we’re invited into a quiet, introspective moment as Jesus sits upon the Mount of Olives, gazing over the ancient city. His eyes take in the golden rooftops and sacred structures below, yet His thoughts reach far beyond stone and city walls. This scene captures Jesus’ profound love and compassion for all people, especially those who have lost their way or feel distant from Him. It reminds us of His desire to gather each of us under His wing, shielding us in love, just as He yearned to gather Jerusalem’s people.

In this painting, there’s a gentle call to embrace stillness. The world around us is loud and often overwhelming, filled with distractions that can pull us from the peace and clarity Christ offers. In moments of reflection and quiet, we open ourselves to a Christlike perspective that transforms how we see the world, others, and even ourselves. It’s in these moments of calm that we may sense His presence more closely, hearing His guidance as we ponder what He might say to us if we were seated beside Him, looking out over a sunset-lit landscape.

Imagining ourselves in such a scene can be a powerful exercise. Picture yourself seated beside Jesus, on a hill or rock, listening to His voice. What might you share with Him? And in the quiet after, what words of encouragement or love might He offer in return? It’s in these imagined conversations that we often find hope, comfort, and a renewed sense of our own worth. In this stillness, we can feel “gathered under His wing”—loved and protected.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem…how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings…” These words reflect Christ’s unconditional love and longing to guide, uplift, and shelter those who seek Him. They remind us that He is not distant but ever near, ready to draw us into His embrace. As He gazes upon the city, aware of the trials and sacrifices soon to come, His focus remains on His purpose: to be a beacon of love, to serve, to sacrifice, and to provide a path to peace for all.

This painting also evokes a powerful contrast between the sunset and the dawning of a new day. Just as Jesus foresaw the close of His earthly ministry, He looked forward to the hope and redemption He would bring to all. In His gaze over Jerusalem, we see His eternal commitment to us, symbolized by the promise, “Lo, I am with you always.” He watches still, from a higher vantage, ever ready to extend His protective wing over those who turn to Him.

O Jerusalem is a reminder of the peace found in stillness and the strength we gain by imagining ourselves in His presence. It invites us to pause, to listen, and to trust that Jesus is always near, watching over us with a love that sees our endless potential and a compassion that brings us hope.