Drawing of the Temple Mount

This is a drawing of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, circa first century (Herod's Temple). The view is looking over the Antonia, the fortress/prison which overlooked the Temple. There is a great article on the Antonia in this month's Biblical Archeology Review.

The drawing is background to the opening of the graphic novel translation of the letter of James. Taking a lead from the address in James- "to the 12 tribes in dispersion" (the diaspora) I will be setting the 5 chapters of the letter against the backdrop of the church dispersed through history. It will move progressively from the first century to the twenty first. I have the Greek translation roughed out, and there is fantastic material to work with in the story. 'James' , like the other writings in the wisdom tradition uses vivid imagery to convey thoughts and ideas.

Earnest Illustrations on the web

My new website has been uploaded (published) to the internet, and is making its way into the various browsers. The website inlcudes the pdf files of the parables series which have been in this blog, as well as other artwork that I have done in the past. I hope to make the website user friendly and a resource for ministry. Please check it out when you can, and let me know what you think. (And feel free to share it with friends and colleagues.) The Address is http://www.earnestillustrations.com/

Wishing you a blessed Christmas

(my Christmas bulletin for St. John's)

Parable 11 The King who was hungry, thirsty...

Graphic Translation of Matthew 25:31-46.

This completes the series of parables from Matthew's gospel. (Yay!) It has been a joy to do this series, and to share it with others. In January, I will begin a series on the parables which are specific to Luke's Gospel, most notably the stories of the lost coin, lost sheep and lost son.

I wish you all a peaceful Christmas, and joyful new year.

finishing the parables, what's next

I am wrapping up the series on the parables from Matthew's gospel. The last one will be the King who says, "I was hungry and you gave me something to eat...." (it's the final judgement in Art Deco style) When the series is complete, I will offer the complete set on CD for sale, in a variety of viewing formats, again, with permission to reprint and use for ministry.

The season of Advent begins another year in the church cycle, and I would like to focus on a different project for the year. Some ideas include:

1. Graphic interpretations of various psalms- drawing one psalm a month - (would require assistance from Hebrew Translator(s))
2. A Graphic interpretation of The Epistle of James
3. or a series of Graphic Short stories based on each of the beatitudes. (this could be a fun project to do with other writers and artists as a collaborative project.)

If you have thoughts, preferences, or would like to help in the project, you can send me an e-mail at rectorstjohns1755@verizon.net.

Parable 10 The Talents

Matthew 25:14-29

Parable 9 The Ten Bridesmaids

A graphic translation of Matthew 25:1-13

Parable 8- the Wedding Feast

Graphic Transation of Matthew 22:1-14

Parable 7: The Wicked Tenants

Graphic novel translation of Matthew 21:33-40