Why would Mario take a bullet for his enemies? That is the question I usually get when people see this painting. I think an even better question is, why would the creator of mankind humble himself by coming down to earth as a man to die for his sinful creation?  That is the inspiration for this painting.  I wanted people to see the gravity and incomprehensible kindness that God demonstrated for us by using a character such as Mario taking a bullet for his enemies. I would consider this piece the capstone and the jump off point for the entire series. 

"But God demonstrated His love for us in this, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8