The Portrait

Scripture: Matthew 5:3-10

Audio Link: Sermon – 28 Dec 2025 – The Portrait by tawabaptist

In his book The Tender Commandments, Ron Mehl tells the story of a father and a son…

Once there was a wealthy man who, along with his son, shared a passion for collecting art. They would travel the world together adding only the finest pieces to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and many others hung on the walls of their family estate.

The father, who had lost his wife many years earlier, looked on with satisfaction as his only son became an experienced and skillful art collector in his own right. The bond between father and son was strong, their relationship close.

One year war engulfed the nation and the son enlisted to serve his country.

After training he shipped out to the front with his company. He had only been there a few short weeks when his father received a telegram to say his son was missing in action.

The father waited, fearing the worst. Within days his fears were realized.

It was confirmed that his son had died while rescuing a wounded mate.

The father was beside himself with grief. Christmas was coming but what was there left to celebrate. His wife and only son were gone so there did not seem much point.

Early on Christmas morning the old man heard a knock at the door and slowly lifted himself from his chair to see who it might be. As he walked down the long wide corridor of his mansion, the masterpieces hanging on the walls seemed to mock him. Beauty and riches are meaningless if you don’t have someone to share them with.

Opening his front door the old man was surprised to see a young man dressed in uniform with a large package in his hand. The soldier introduced himself saying…

“I was a friend of your son. As a matter of fact, I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments. I have something I would like to show you.”

As the two began to talk the soldier told how the man’s son had spoken so much about art and the joy of collecting masterpieces alongside his father.

“I’m something of an artist myself”, the soldier said a bit shyly, “And well, I want you to have this.”

As the old man unwrapped the package, the brown paper gave way to reveal a portrait of the man’s son, who had been killed. No one would consider the painting a masterpiece, but it did capture the young man’s expression.

Tears welled in the old man’s eyes. The soldier painter sat still, not saying a word. He simply made room for the old man’s grief.

After a few moments the father managed to compose himself long enough to say, “Thank you, I will hang the picture above the mantlepiece.”

Later that same day, when the soldier had left, the old man removed a Monet to make room for the portrait of his hero son in pride of place over the mantlepiece. Then he spent the rest of the day just looking at it, remembering his boy as he was.

During the days and weeks that followed, the man realized that even though his son was no longer with him, the boy’s life would live on because of those he had saved. His son had rescued dozens of fellow soldiers before being cut down himself.

The portrait of his son became the old man’s most prized possession. He told his neighbours it was the greatest gift he had ever received.

A few years past before the old man became ill and died. With the famous collector’s passing, the art world eagerly anticipated a great auction. According to the collector’s will, all of the works would be auctioned on Christmas day, the day he had received his greatest gift.

Christmas soon arrived and art dealers from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world’s most spectacular paintings. The excitement was palpable. What would be put up for sale first? A Picasso perhaps or maybe a Van Gogh…

But the auction did not begin how people expected. The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum’s list. It was the simple portrait of a young soldier, the collector’s son.

The auctioneer began, “Who will open with a bid of a hundred dollars?”

The room was uncomfortably silent. Finally, after what seemed like an age, a gruff voice could be heard from the back of the room, “Who cares about that painting? It’s just a portrait of the old codger’s son”. Other voices could be heard grunting their agreement. “Let’s forget about it and move on to the good stuff.”

“No” the auctioneer replied, “we have to sell this one first. Now, who will receive the son?”

Eventually, a neighbour of the old man spoke up. “Will you take fifty dollars for it. I knew the boy, so I’d like to have it.”

“I have fifty dollars”, called the auctioneer, “Will anyone go higher?”

After more silence, the auctioneer said, “Going once, going twice, sold for $50!”

The gavel fell and cheers filled the room. Someone called out, “Finally, now we can get on with it”

But at that moment, the auctioneer looked up at the audience and announced the auction was over. Stunned disbelief blanketed the room.

Someone spoke up, “What do you mean it’s over?” I didn’t fly halfway round the world for a picture of the old guy’s son. What about all these other paintings? There’s millions of dollars’ worth of art here. I demand an explanation!”

In a quiet, clearvoice the auctioneer replied, “It’s very simple… according to the will of the father, whoever receives the son, gets it all.”

In some ways, Jesus is like the son in this story. Jesus is loved by God the Father, so much so that whoever receives Jesus by faith, inherits the kingdom of heaven.

Of course, Jesus does not go to the highest bidder. Jesus freely offers himself to everyone who will make room to receive him.

However, the gift of God’s son is not usually offered in the way we might expect. Jesus was born into poverty and laid in a feeding trough. I don’t think anyone anticipated that. Even more shockingly, Jesus suffered and died on a cross, giving his life to save ours. No one expected a crucified Messiah.

We do not receive Jesus in strength or by our own resources. We receive Jesus in weakness, on our knees, with nothing to offer but an honest confession of our need.

Those who receive Jesus, will (eventually) inherit it all, for Jesus embodies the kingdom of God.

In Matthew 5, Jesus talks about what it looks like to receive him…

³ Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Will we make room to receive Jesus, even when he comes to us in ways we are not expecting?

Let us pray…

Father God, we thank you for your love and generosity. Help us to recognize the opportunities you give for receiving Jesus. May we be open to accept your grace, your truth, your mercy, your Spirit. Amen.