That Man Who Came to Us
This is a sample from a book illustrating the gospel in a Thai context. Through illustrations, the book answers these questions: What would it have looked like if Jesus was born in Thailand? And how can we communicate the gospel to Thais in a Thai way?
Chinnawong, Sawai, and DeNeui, Paul. 2010 That Man Who Came to Us. Pasadena: William Carey Library, 32, 33, 36, 80, 81, 84, 85. missionbooks.org
It is unusual for anyone to seek out another at night unless it is desired to be kept secret. In the large picture, betel nut and condiments are laid out to welcome the guest even at the late hour. Nicodemus’s robe and bared shoulder show he is a religious devotee.
When Jesus raises a cup of water, the two followers suddenly recognize who he is. The water container in the front is northern Thai style. Water is drunk at the end of the meal in Thailand. Water is also a symbol of life.
Generally, Thai people keep bodies for three days before cremation. Those who die of unnatural causes are not cremated but buried. In some regions of Thailand, people tie the wrists of the dead together as shown. The scars of torture are still visible even after cleaning. In this drawing, flames symbolically protect the body from decay.
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