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It is important when 'reading' an icon to read what the Lord inspires you to see. The 'writer' felt he was inspired when he wrote it and even he reads into it more than he thought was there. However, there are always certain 'devices' or customary images faithfully reproduced from prototypes of the main theme which this key describes. The sketch reproduced here was that used to trace out the icon onto the gessoed board.
The Temple
1 In the background we can see the wall of Jerusalem. The black entrance symbolising a place of darkness, evil and ignorance.
2 The figures coming out of Jerusalem are Jews of all ages. The covered hands reveal that this was the Sabbath on which hands were covered to prevent them performing any work. Notice their faces and where they are looking.
3 The two mountain peaks not only form a pleasing arch around the composition, they suggest that before the Lord, all creation bows!
4 Immediately behind Jesus there are the disciples. They are emerging from a black aperture in the rock, this time representing misunderstanding and doubt. Closest to Jesus there are Peter, John and possibly Thomas (right to left). Again notice where they are looking.
5 In the lower foreground there are the characters of Mary and Martha. Unusually their hair is revealed and they are clearly in profound grief. Their hands are covered (unlike those of Jesus and the disciples!). For this icon writer, Martha represents 'prayer as action' or effective prayer and Mary 'prayer as devotion' or affective prayer. Both are needed in order to bring the Christ to their home of Bethany.
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6 The tall, elegant figure of Christ holds a scroll in his left hand which can symbolise his wisdom and his authority over the Law. His right hand is raised in the gesture of speech towards Lazarus.
7 Emerging from the dark cave of death and corruption, Lazarus emerges still wrapped in his burial bonds. His head is inclined towards Christ in a gesture of obedience. For this icon writer, Lazarus represents what some call 'the eye of the heart' - or that within us which beholds the Lord who abides in our heart.
8 The two characters in the foreground are two young men obedient to Jesus' command to remove the stone and unbind Lazarus. This reminds us that even though Lazarus was raised by Jesus, others obedient to his command moved the stone and unwound the grave clothes. For the icon writer this is understood as an ongoing process.
9 The Greek text reads 'The Awakening of Lazarus'
10 The entire scene is set within the vault and dome of the heavenly realm. Reminding us that in God, we live and move and have our being. The entire action, therefore, exists within the Being of God.
The event takes place on the Eve of Palm Sunday, therefore, may our prayer be:
' Yoking Contemplation to Action, let us make haste to offer up our prayers to Christ, that by His dread authority He may call our spiritual understanding back from the tomb to life, like another dead Lazarus: and we shall bring Him palms of righteousness and cry: Blessed art Thou who comest. '
From the Orthodox Matins of Thursday in the Sixth Week of Lent
