Christus en de vrouw uit Kanaän 1629

Christoffel van Sichem II created this woodcut, Christus en de vrouw uit Kanaän, sometime between the late 16th and mid-17th century. The print depicts a biblical scene where a Canaanite woman asks Jesus to heal her daughter. The story reveals a clash of identities. Here, the woman, a member of a group often marginalized, dares to approach Jesus, challenging social and religious norms. Initially, Jesus is hesitant, saying, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel." But the woman persists, her faith and determination ultimately moving Jesus to heal her daughter. What strikes me most is the woman’s vulnerability and courage. Kneeling before Jesus, she embodies humility, yet her unwavering resolve speaks volumes about her strength. This image is a powerful reminder that faith knows no boundaries, and that even in the face of marginalization, hope and persistence can lead to profound change. It invites us to reflect on the boundaries we create and the transformative power of empathy.