Resources on Devon Abts

Angels, Circumcision, Moses, Confusion

Discovery to Deliverance

Devon Abts | Visual Commentary on Scripture

Sermon Preparation or Illustration, Artwork, Article about Artwork

Devon Abts uses Nicolas Poussin’s three paintings of "The Finding of Moses" to comment on deliverance in Exodus 2:5–10.

Revelation, Salvation, God's Deliverance

Crossroads of Salvation History

Devon Abts | Visual Commentary on Scripture

Sermon Preparation or Illustration, Artwork, Article about Artwork

Devon Abts comments on Nicolas Poussin’s 1651 painting "The Finding of Moses" (Exodus 2:5-10). "The artist presents Moses as Christ’s forerunner, and his rescue from the Nile as a pivotal moment in salvation history."

Salvation, History, Women, Christ

Real Presences

Devon Abts | Visual Commentary on Scripture

Sermon Preparation or Illustration, Artwork, Article about Artwork

Devon Abts reflects on Philippians 4:1-11 by using three pieces of art from Jan van Kessel, Giovanni Bellini, and an unknown Flemish artist that demonstrate divine virtue's presence in everyday life.

Philippians 4:1-9

Virtue, Divination, Philippians, Art

A Eucharistic Blessing

Devon Abts | Visual Commentary on Scripture

Sermon Preparation or Illustration, Artwork, Article about Artwork

Devon Abts comments on a piece of art by David Jones that depicts the resurrected Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene as told in John 20:11-17.

Jesus, Resurrection, Mary Magdalene, Saint, Eucharist

Covenantal Regeneration

Devon Abts | Visual Commentary on Scripture

Sermon Preparation or Illustration, Artwork, Article about Artwork

Devon Abts comments on a painting by Pietro Perugino that connects Christ's baptism with the circumcision of Moses's son in Exodus 4:19-29.

Baptism, Circumcision, Baptism Of Christ, Moses

Do Not Hold onto Me

Devon Abts | Visual Commentary on Scripture

Sermon Preparation or Illustration, Artwork, Article about Artwork

Devon Abts comments on three pieces of art that depict Mary Magdalene touching the resurrected Jesus in John 20:11-17 and his response, "Do not hold on to me."

Resurrection, Tomb, Mary Magdalene, Saint, Love

The Lover's Gaze

Devon Abts | Visual Commentary on Scripture

Sermon Preparation or Illustration, Artwork, Article about Artwork

Devon Abts comments on John 20:11–17 by using Titan's painting of Mary Magdalene touching the resurrected Jesus.

Resurrection, Christ, Mary Magdalene, Saint, Titian

A Message of Mission

Devon Abts | Visual Commentary on Scripture

Sermon Preparation or Illustration, Artwork, Article about Artwork

Devon Abts comments on Fra Angelico's fresco that depicts the resurrected Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene as told in John 20:11-17.

Resurrection, Mary Magdalene, Saint, Jesus

Divine Otherness, Human Wonder

Devon Abts | Visual Commentary on Scripture

Sermon Preparation or Illustration, Artwork, Article about Artwork

Devon Abts connects Exodus 4:19-29 with a painting by David C. Hancock that offers "a jarring reminder of the absolute ‘otherness’ of God, whose nature and purposes are utterly inscrutable to humans."

God's Will, Moses, Fear, Fear Of God

Tranquility Restored

Devon Abts | Visual Commentary on Scripture

Sermon Preparation or Illustration, Artwork, Article about Artwork

Though the river would later be turned to blood, in the miracle of Moses’s deliverance from the Nile (Exodus 2:5–10) hope is briefly restored. Devon Abts provides commentary on Nicolas Poussin’s 1638 painting, "The Finding of...

Miracle, Hope, God's Deliverance, Nicolas Poussin

Nurturing a Revelation

Devon Abts | Visual Commentary on Scripture

Sermon Preparation or Illustration, Artwork, Article about Artwork

Pharaoh’s daughter's "subversive compassion" in rescuing Moses from the Nile (Exodus 2:5–10) transforms the course of history. Devon Abts offers brief commentary on Nicolas Poussin's 1647 painting, "The Finding of Moses."

History Of Redemption, God's Deliverance, Compassion, Nicolas Poussin

The Lord is Near in Prayer

Devon Abts | Visual Commentary on Scripture

Sermon Preparation or Illustration, Artwork, Article about Artwork

In Philippians 4:5, Paul reminds them, ‘The Lord is near.’ Similarly, boxwood ‘prayer nuts’ (c. late Middle Ages) were created for wealthy patrons as a tactile reminder that ‘the Lord is near’ in prayer.

Philippians 4:1-9

Prayer, Christ, Prayerfulness, Lord's Prayer

A Violent Struggle

Devon Abts | Visual Commentary on Scripture

Sermon Preparation or Illustration, Artwork, Article about Artwork

A visual commentary on Exodus 4:19–29 using an art-piece from the school of Rembrandt that highlights Moses' struggle.

God's Presence, Moses, Violence

Real Presences

Devon Abts | Visual Commentary on Scripture

Sermon Preparation or Illustration, Artwork, Article about Artwork

An examination of the virtues listed in Philippians 4:4-9, using three art pieces that invite us to recognize the signs of divine virtue that surround us in our daily lives.

Philippians 4:4-9

Eucharist, Godlessness, Prayerfulness, Virtue

Transformed by Violence

Devon Abts | Visual Commentary on Scripture

Sermon Preparation or Illustration, Artwork, Article about Artwork

A visual commentary on Exodus 4:19–29 using David C. Hancock's 2003 painting, "God Meets Moses on the Way to Egypt."

Image Of God, Violence, God's Will, Moses

An Emblem of Hope

Devon Abts | Visual Commentary on Scripture

Sermon Preparation or Illustration, Artwork, Article about Artwork

A visual commentary on John 20:11-17 using David Jones' 1922 engraving, "Noli Me Tangere/Soldiers at the Tomb."

Hope, Resurrection, War, Art

Unpacking the Narrative

Devon Abts | Visual Commentary on Scripture

Sermon Preparation or Illustration, Artwork, Article about Artwork

This image presents a visual commentary on Moses' return journey to Egypt from his exile in Midian, as told in Exodus 4:19–29.

Journey, Circumcision, Moses, Exile

A Summons to Attention

Devon Abts | Visual Commentary on Scripture

Sermon Preparation or Illustration, Artwork, Article about Artwork

A visual commentary on Philippians 4:1-9 using Jan van Kessel's 1670 painting, "Still Life of Flowers and Grapes encircling a Monstrance in a Niche," to dwell on all that is excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:8

Sermon Preparation or Illustration, Artwork, Article about Artwork

Eucharist, Art, Praise

Making All Things New

Devon Abts | Visual Commentary on Scripture

A visual commentary on John 20:11–17 using Fra Angelico's 1438 painting, "Noli Me Tangere," to illustrate the miraculous transformation of the world on the morning of Christ’s resurrection.