Jesus said, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” He was often described as sleeping in gardens or on boats and no historical or theology location exists as “the home of Jesus.” This has led many theologians to believe that Jesus was homeless.
Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz took this an an opportunity to create a bronze statue of Jesus sleeping on a park bench, blending traditional images of Christ in a modern context. Some have had harsh reactions to his work.
The sculpture has traveled throughout the world, also not finding a permanent home, but it most recently has been placed at Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church in Cleveland, Ohio. The statue is meant to bring awareness about homelessness and it did so in a profound but unexpected way.
According to one of the priests at the church, within twenty minutes of the statue being placed on the lawn, the police are called.
This should act as a harsh reminder of what those who are experiencing homelessness face daily. It also paints an even harsher reality that even Jesus would face this same ridicule if he were here today. It makes his words, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did (or did not do) for one of the least of these, my siblings, you have done to me" all the more biting.
When you call the cops on anyone, you are doing it to Jesus.
Nathan Monk is the author of Chasing the Mouse, Charity Means Love, and his first novel The Miracle is out now. You can also support his writing through Patreon here.
