Colorful flowers with delightful scents are used for holidays, celebrations, funerals, and simply to say “thinking of you.” In the church, flowers have different meanings. What is the lotus flower meaning in Christianity?
What Is the Lotus Flower?
Sometimes referred to as a water lily, this floating flower can be inspirational and beautiful. The scientific name for a lotus flower is nelumbo nucifera, although the lotus flower or water lily is the more familiar name.
This plant is native to Africa, Australia, Asia, and North America.
Botanical gardens sometimes display colorful lotus flowers in ponds. Backyard ponds may house orange koi fish and lotus flowers. Roots planted in ponds or river soil allow the leaves and flowers to float as thick stems secure the plant into the earth.
Lotus flowers can change color due to age, time of day, temperature, and soil type. Pigments determine the flower petals’ colors. While white is the most common color of lotus flowers, other colors include canary diamond, rose quartz, topaz, ruby, and sapphire.
What Does the Lotus Flower Represent in Most Eastern Religions?
Lotuses are found to lift from the soil without marks, therefore often viewed as a symbol of purity. In the evening, these flowers return to the muddy water, and then, at daylight, the flowers open again.
In Buddhism, the lotus flower represents faithfulness, purity, and spiritual awakening. A closed bud can symbolize the time before enlightenment. The white lotus particularly represents mental purity and spiritual perfection.
In Hinduism, this flower represents fertility, beauty, and prosperity. The pink lotus flower in Hinduism is referred to as the most divine. Flowers can be used as offerings to the gods of Hinduism. The goddess of prosperity, Laxmi, is often depicted as sitting on top of an open lotus flower.
Does the Bible Mention Lotus Flowers?
The Bible only mentions the lotus flower in one passage of Scripture, in the book of Job. In a passage describing the behemoth, God says, “Under the lotus plant it lies, hidden among the reeds in the math. The lotuses conceal it in their shadow; the poplars by the stream surround it” (Job 40:21-22 NIV).
Scripture tells us that Job was a wealthy man who loved God. The book of Job shares Satan’s attempt to cause a divide between God and Job. He was tested when God allowed his flocks, children, possessions, and his health to be destroyed. In desperation, Job cried out to God. Job didn’t understand why everything he loved and owned was being destroyed.
In Job 40, the behemoth is described as being made by God. The Old Testament word “behemoth” is a generic word for “cattle” or “animal.” Most scholars believe it is used in Job as a name for a hippopotamus.
The conversation between God and Job continues as God explains how He created the behemoth the same way He created Job. The behemoth was fearless and could only be approached by God. This dialogue reminds us that we can approach God anytime because he created us. God is always listening and will answer in His way.
“Look at Behemoth, which I made along with you and which feeds on grass like an ox. What strength it has in its loins, what power in the muscles of its belly! Its tail sways like a cedar; the sinews of its thighs are close-knit. Its bones are tubes of bronze, its limbs like rods of iron. It ranks first among the works of God, yet its Maker can approach it with his sword.” (Job 40:15-19 NIV)
God is showing details and the strength of His creations. Yet, even with power, the behemoth and Job, too, are protected by God. Man and animal are powerless on their own.
Matthew Henry argues that the passage about a behemoth lying under lotus plants indicates how strong it is—it hides not in caves like a lion but under delicate flowers, unconcerned about attacks. The creature was not afraid of predators because of its size, and God was the only one who could challenge it because God created the behemoth.
In modern English, the word behemoth often metaphorically refers to any large power or entity. God is in control of His creations, whether large or small.
The Job passage about the lotus flower, like the rest of the book of Job, reminds us that God is fully in control. Good times will come and go, but the Lord is with us forever.
In this life on earth, we will face obstacles and troubles, but as Christians, we can find comfort in knowing our Heavenly home awaits us. Job faced many adversities, and through those times, he talked to God and shared his emotions.
How Is the Lotus Flower Used in Christian Art?
Perhaps you have seen note cards or art in museums depicting the lotus flower.
Christian art in India shows the Saint Thomas Christian cross, also referred to as the Persian cross, resting on a lotus flower. These crosses are said to trace their origins to Thomas the Apostle in the 1st century AD. This cross has four edges in a floral shape, symbolizing life and fruition.
In the Church of the East, a Nestorian cross was also often shown on a lotus flower. The shape resembles the Maltese cross—four arms of similar length. The crosses are sometimes shown as sitting on a lotus flower on a cloud.
What Flowers Have Similar Meanings in Christianity?
Various species of flowers have unique meanings in Christianity. Christians do not worship flowers, yet we can enjoy their beauty and scent.
The passion flower reminds Christians of the torture, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ. The tendrils’ shape in the middle of these flowers symbolizes the lashes Jesus endured before being nailed to the cross. In this flower, the top three stigmas represent the three nails used to nail Jesus to the cross.
The white lily, also known as the Easter lily, is considered to represent the purity and divinity of Christ. Easter is the time when these flowers are displayed in churches and homes. The lily symbolizes Christ’s resurrection because it rises from a single bulb, reminding us of Christ rising from the tomb.
Tulip flowers are grown in a variety of colors. White tulips represent forgiveness, and purple tulips represent royalty.
Roses are sometimes given in gestures of love. White roses stand for purity and forgiveness. Red roses can represent the blood of Jesus.
Yellow and white daffodils sprout from the earth in early spring. The daffodil represents eternal life in Christianity.
Scripture reminds us of the importance of God’s creations, including the flowers.
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” (Isaiah 40:8 NIV)
“Then God said, ‘Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.’ And it was so.” (Genesis 1:11 NIV)
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:1-3 NIV)
Prayer for Thanking God for His Creations
God, thank You for creating flowers for us to enjoy. Thank You for teaching us how to care for the soil and plants. Amen.
In His Name,
Melissa Henderson
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/R_Type
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.
This article is part of our Christian Terms catalog, exploring words and phrases of Christian theology and history. Here are some of our most popular articles covering Christian terms to help your journey of knowledge and faith:
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