The Picture of the One Legged Man

They have changed it now, but when I worked in the Provo Temple back in 2001 a life sized painting hung in the stairwell that led to the worker’s dressing room. The picture entitled “The Adulation of Matthew,” by Jacob Chimenti portrays Matthew and Christ at the receipt of customs where the Lord called Matthew to follow him. They are not alone, but the adoring look Matthew bestows on his Lord is the focal point of the painting.

I dubbed this pleasant scene “The Picture of the One Legged Man,” because I did not see Matthew’s left foot. I was certain that he had two feet, and it was truly insignificant that I couldn’t find both of them. Yet, twice a week for over a year, as I descended the stairs, I paused for a few moments to search for the missing appendage.

One day, when I was running late I hurried down the stairs not intending to stop, but I could not resist a quick glance. In that second I saw Matthew’s left foot poised on a step behind him. In the past I had not lifted my eyes to see the total picture, but had limited my vision by what was familiar, and logical to me. In so doing I had missed the symbolism of Matthew stepping down from worldly work for the love of Christ – a very important detail.

Only when we are open to the Spirit and willing to look beyond the obvious can more be revealed to us. On the day I found Matthew’s other shoe I did not anticipate revelation. Likewise, there is no way anyone might know when enlightenment on a higher level might come – if we are ready to receive it.