Mangosteen Artwork Reflection | 1 Peter 1:18-19 | April 2026

April is the month of Easter, a season when we especially remember what Jesus has done for us. Of course the truth of His sacrifice should be in our hearts all the time, but at Easter it feels closer and more immediate. It is a time to reflect on the depth of His love and the life He gave for us.

The plant for April is the Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana). I wanted a plant that would feel symbolic for Easter. When I thought of the mangosteen, it immediately made sense. Its hard shell cracked open reminds me of Jesus’ body broken for us. The red-staining juice reflects His blood poured out. And the sweet white flesh is like the unblemished Lamb, victorious and pure. The sweetness also reminds me that Jesus is gentle, life-giving, and beautiful.

Usually I draw flowers and leaves, so choosing a fruit was a little different for me. By God's perfect timing, my mum happened to buy mangosteens just when I was deciding on this subject. I brought about six of them home and cracked them open on my work desk. It was probably the fastest I have ever painted a subject because I could not wait to eat them!

The verse for April is:

“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.”

— 1 Peter 1:18-19

As I painted, I thought about the sacrifice of Jesus and how His love is both powerful and gentle. Like the mangosteen, the hardest parts of life are held in His hands, and in Him we find sweetness and life. Even when the world feels heavy, we can remember the unblemished Lamb who gave everything for us.

The next time you see a mangosteen, may it remind you of Jesus’ sacrifice, His victory, and the sweetness of His love that continues to sustain us.