The Brick Mosaic

These historic Christian Church symbols, found in Rev. 4:6-7 and Ezek. 1:5-12 are used to depict the four Gospel writers.

The symbol chosen to represent each Gospel writer was based on the Gospel's content and the author's particular focus on Christ.

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Matthew

A divine man is used for Matthew because his Gospel highlights Jesus’ humanity.

Matthew still preserves Jesus’ divinity which in the mosaic is represented by the wings.

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Mark

Mark is represented by a winged lion based on how this Gospel begins.

It starts with a passage from Isaiah in which a messenger of God cries out in the desert for people to prepare the coming of the Lord. The voice crying out is reminiscent of a lion’s roar and the lion also signifies royalty.

The wings are symbolic of the prophetic spirit in this first passage.

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Luke

A winged ox is used to represent Luke because his Gospel begins with announcing the birth of John the Baptist to his father Zechariah who was a priest.

He offered sacrifices in the temple, some of which were oxen. The winged ox therefore is symbolic of Jesus’ priestly character.

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John

His Gospel begins with a lofty theological reflection about Jesus and delves into the mystery of God.

The eagle is also lofty because of its grace, strength, and acute vision.

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