Image Details

The Pierpont Morgan Library/Art Resource, NY

In a 14th-century Book of Hours (shown here, compare with photo of Caedmon Genesis illumination), Jesus’ feet dangle above the heads of Paul, Mary and Peter.

Why are the stories of Jesus and Enoch so similar? Because both stories reflect an idea that was current in Jewish thinking of the day: Divine intermediaries—whether Jesus, Enoch, Lady Wisdom, the Logos or the archangel Michael—assisted God in governing the world and redeeming the elect.