Calvary

Jesus is crucified

Luke 23: 33-34 CEV

When the soldiers came to the place called “The Skull,” they nailed Jesus to a cross. They also nailed the two criminals to crosses, one on each side of Jesus.

Jesus said, “Father, forgive these people! They don’t know what they’re doing.”

While the crowd stood there watching Jesus, the soldiers gambled for his clothes. The leaders insulted him by saying, “He saved others. Now he should save himself, if he really is God’s chosen Messiah!”

Wendy's Prayer - “Lord, let us come together as one to share the love of God and the forgiveness of all our sin."

Artwork - Jesus is nailed to a cross

Mark 15:24-32

They nailed Jesus to a cross and gambled to see who would get his clothes. It was about nine o'clock in the morning when they nailed him to the cross. On it was a sign that told why he was nailed there. It read, “This is the King of the Jews.” The soldiers also nailed two criminals on crosses, one to the right of Jesus and the other to his left.

People who passed by said terrible things about Jesus. They shook their heads and shouted, “Ha! So you're the one who claimed you could tear down the temple and build it again in three days. Save yourself and come down from the cross!”

The chief priests and the teachers of the Law of Moses also made fun of Jesus. They said to each other, “He saved others, but he can't save himself. If he is the Messiah, the king of Israel, let him come down from the cross! Then we will see and believe.” The two criminals also said cruel things to Jesus.

Artist: Angela Malibirr

Language: Djambarrpuyŋgu

Community: Ramingining

Angela has been creating art for many years. She is a skilled painter and dancer. She uses both in her local church involvement.

Angela studied Visual Arts at Nungalinya in 2021 and was excited to continue her art and faith journey in the Cultural Arts certificate this year.

Angela enjoys the challenge of integrating her faith, art and culture. She is a quiet observer and listener but her artwork communicates loudly and powerfully.

Jesus and the Criminal

Luke 23: 39-43 CEV

One of the criminals hanging there also insulted Jesus by saying, “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and save us!”

But the other criminal told the first one off, “Don’t you fear God? Aren’t you getting the same punishment as this man? We got what was coming to us, but he didn’t do anything wrong.” Then he said to Jesus, “Remember me when you come into power!”

Jesus replied, “I promise that today you will be with me in paradise.”

Wendy's Prayer - “Heavenly Father, there are many promises in the Bible that you have given to us to receive in our lives."

Jesus talks to Mary and John

John 19: 25-27 CEV

Jesus' mother stood beside his cross with her sister and Mary the wife of Clopas. Mary Magdalene was standing there too.

When Jesus saw his mother and his favorite disciple with her, he said to his mother, “This man is now your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “She is now your mother.” From then on, that disciple took her into his own home.

Wendy's Prayer - “Lord Jesus, let us be in the gap for those who are seeking for their need. Provide for them physically and spiritually."

Jesus dies on the cross

Luke 23: 44-46 CEV

Around noon the sky turned dark and stayed that way until the middle of the afternoon. The sun stopped shining, and the curtain in the temple split down the middle. Jesus shouted, “Father, I put myself in your hands!” Then he died.

Wendy's Prayer - “We thank you Lord for dying on the cross. That while we were sinners you died so that we may be set free."

Artwork - Crucifixion

Spear represents the spear that went into Jesus side. It wasn't blood that came out of his side, it was water. This is represented in the stream of water.

There was an earthquake and the ground split open like the curtain in the temple.

Jesus came to fulfil the scripture and made everything new.

Artist: Frances Rrikili Garrawurra

Language: Djambarrpuyngu

Community: Ramingining

Rrikili took a break from her theology studies at Nungalinya to concentrate on building her skills as a communicator through the arts. She is a keen dancer and artist but had put her painting practice to the side for many years.

Rrikili found much joy in expressing herself creatively through the arts and sharing her expansive knowledge and wisdom in integrating art, faith and culture.

She is dedicated to using her gifts for the Kingdom and encouraging others to do the same.

Artwork - It is finished

Christ came to fulfil scripture, reconcile the world and make everything new.

Artist: Frances Rrikili Garrawurra

Language: Djambarrpuyngu

Community: Ramingining

Artwork - The Blood and Water

When Jesus died on the cross he was speared and water came out from his body.

His blood spilled out to cleanse our sin and he is the living water.

John 19: 34

One of the soldiers stuck his spear into Jesus' side, and blood and water came out.

Artist: Karina Penhall

Language: Pitjantjatjara

Community: Alice Springs

Karina has been expressing her faith and Bible knowledge through her art for many years. She loves to study the scriptures and retell the stories through her paintings.

Karina is a leader in the Lutheran Church and also works in the Lutheran School teaching religious education and cultural classes. Her art expresses her country, culture and faith. Karina would love to find ways to share her art as a way to communicate the Bible more widely.

Artwork - Bilin nhe Baḻanydjarradjarran (You are Free)

I’ve done this for you.

I went through this for you.

I took the punishment for you.

I have paid the price.

You are free.

Jon 3:16

Yo. God-Waŋarrnydja ŋunhi märr-ŋamathin mirithin yan yolŋuwnydja walalaŋ bawalamirrilila wäŋalilnydja, bala yan ŋayi gurrupara nhanŋuwuynha ŋayi Gäthu'mirriŋunhany, ŋunhin bili yan waŋganynhan, märr dhu ŋunhiny yolŋu ŋunhi ŋayi dhu ga märr-yuwalkthirrnydja nhanukal, yakan dhu dhiŋgam, nhinany ŋayi dhu ga walŋan yan bitjanna bili wiyinŋumirra.

Artist: Maratja Dhamarrandji

Language: Djambarrpuyŋu

Community: Galiwinku, Elcho Island

Maratja is a senior clan leader and ordained minister in the Uniting Church. He is passionate about the intersection between the ancient laws of his people and God’s holy law.

Maratja has been involved in translation of the Djambarrpuyŋu Bible and was interested

to explore the ways that art could communicate stories and truths in a way that has been done by his people for generations.

Maratja is passionate about teaching and encouraging the younger generation to stand up for Jesus. He hopes to work alongside artists in his community to study the scriptures and embed its truths into local arts.