Waiting for Healing
Paula has been a regular at St George’s Tron, Church of Scotland, for quite some time. For all while, she and Iain talked about her sitting for a portrait. One day, she came in with a really bad black eye. She suggested that Iain could paint her like this, perhaps as one of the people who Jesus healed.
Chapter 5 of Luke’s Gospel has two stories of healing. Read them for yourself, along with the painting, and reflect on the needs you see around you for healing in people’s lives.
Jesus heals a man with leprosy
While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered in Leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, ‘Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.’
Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be clean!’ And immediately the leprosy left him.
Then Jesus ordered him, ‘Don’t tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.’
Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their illnesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Luke 5:12-16 (NIVUK)
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The Portrait Gospel
The Gospel of Luke uniquely illustrated by Iain Campbell
The Portrait Gospel is uniquely illustrated by Iain Campbell. By using modern day Glaswegians as his models, Iain’s compelling paintings bring 21st century life to the words of a first century disciple.
Copies of The Portrait Gospel are available to buy in person from St George’s Tron Church, Glasgow.