WHAT DID JESUS LOOK LIKE AND SHOULD WE DISPLAY IT?

What did Jesus look like? The above, 1940 painting, has been copied and printed millions of times, put on postcards and greeting cards. Many churches even have this image, or one similar to it, hanging in their facilities.  But is this a true representation of what Jesus looked like and should we be displaying it?  

The Bible doesn't give us a specific, physical description of what Jesus actually looked like. Throughout history various depictions have emerged seemingly of what the artist of the time envisioned Jesus to look like. We have a Caucasian Jesus, African Jesus, Oriental Jesus and more.   

Did Jesus have long or short hair, a beard, a mustache? Was he tall or short?

Of course, the most popular renderings of Jesus has him with long hair, a beard, and a mustache. Such an image became popular in art work in the fourth and fifth centuries and beyond.

Most of the images we see today are probably inaccurate. Jesus was a Jew, so He likely had a somewhat darker skin such as Middle Eastern cultures had. This is a far cry from the European/Caucasian Jesus we see in modern art.   Below are some of the earliest known images depicting Jesus in the ancient world.   

This is perhaps the earliest known depiction of Jesus. Found in the catacombs of Rome. It dates to around 190-220 A.D. and shows Jesus healing the bleeding woman, as recorded in Mark 5:24-34. He is seen with short hair and no beard, as well wearing as a Roman toga. Of course it is very doubtful that Jesus ever wore a Roman toga but this is the artist rendering of Jesus, like a Roman. It does show Jesus with no beard and short hair.

This fresco is  another very early depiction of Jesus. It portrays the story of Jesus healing a paralyzed man. It was found in a Syrian City and has been called the "Dura Europos". This image dates to about 230 A.D. and was found on the wall of a one of the earliest known church buildings. It may not be the clearest image but it shows short, curly hair and no beard or mustache. He is also wearing a tunic and sandals. 

Later in the 4th Century we have this image found at a cemetery of one of Emperor Constantine's villas. This is perhaps the first known image depicting Jesus in the traditional form we are accustomed to seeing today. Long hair, beard and mustache.

This beautiful mosaic was found in Britain and dates to the 4th Century also. It has the Greek "Chi" & "Rho", the first two letters of Christ, often used to refer to Jesus. This image has Jesus depicted as a clean shaven Roman in a toga with short hair.  

What Jesus looked like does not matter. If it was deemed important, one or more of the New Testament writers would have provided a physical description.

The New Testament does provide several non-physical descriptions of Jesus that are to capture our imaginations and excite our spirits. He is the light of the world (John 1:5); the bread of life (John 6:32-33); the living water (John 4:14) our High Priest (Hebrews 2:17); the good shepherd (John 10:11,14); the spotless lamb of God (Revelation 13:8); the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2); the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6); and the very image of God (Colossians 1:15) and the list could go on. Such a Savior is more precious and beautiful to us than any piece of art hanging on a wall.

What about the length of Jesus hair? The traditional image, as seen at the top of this article, is likely inaccurate. Being a Middle Eastern male in the 1st Century A.D. it was the tradition or culturally acceptable practice than men had shorter hair than women. We read in 1 Corinthains 11:14, "Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him."  (ESV)  

Another, and perhaps more important question arises; should we display any artwork depicting Jesus?

Since we really do not know what Jesus physically looked like and that the traditional artwork commonly accepted is probably wrong, I would contend that we shouldn't display them. When someone who enters our facilities sees such an image, it is safe to assume that they consider this is what we believe Jesus looked like. If in fact, since it is not what Jesus looked like, are we not lying or promoting a deception?

Also, consider the second commandment, "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.  You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God,..." (Exodus 20:4-5)  ESV  

For church members to become upset about removing artwork, wrongly depicting Jesus, may show forth a spirit flirting with idolatry. God gave us the second commandment knowing how easily we are at wanting to have some image before us to depict Him. Could it be that false artwork depicting Jesus is a modern day "golden calf"? This can become a very hotly contested issue when we consider how much artwork there is depicting so many ideas of His appearance.   Stained-glass artwork, illustrations in various Christian literature, and the lists go on. The same could also be said about artwork of the apostles or other Biblical characters. It may be one thing to see illustrations in literature conveying conceived images of Jesus but when artwork is permanently displayed it takes on a whole new aura as an icon that is not to be tampered with.   

If you were to ask children attending our churches to describe or draw what Jesus looked like, what do you suppose their pictures would display?  Most likely it will resemble the artwork we have traditionally been hanging in our homes and in our church facilities. Do we really want to perpetuate misleading and misinforming our children about Jesus? When they find out later that the image we displayed is inaccurate, could they not wonder what other areas we have misled them regarding God, Jesus or other spiritual matters?  Should we not strive to remove such potential stumbling blocks from view?

Our focus should not be on what Jesus looked like but on what He did, Who He is and what He instructs us to do. There is enough there for us to focus on rather than getting bent out of shape over an inaccurate image.    

  

WHY MUDDY THE WATERS?

Jesus prayed for the unity of those who would follow Him and be called by His name.  However, over the centuries false teachings have crept in and caused division among those claiming to be followers of Jesus Christ.   These divisions we call “denominations”.  

Why do so many so-called "Christian" groups muddy the waters of the simple gospel?    

Perhaps one of the most pervasive false teachings that is still with us to this day is that of what is often referred to as “Faith Only”.  

In gatherings of those desiring to know more about God very often those attending heard something like one of these statements:

·        “Bow your head and raise your hand if you want Jesus to come into your heart”

·        “Just say this prayer and ask Jesus to come into your heart”

·        “Just believe and you will be saved”

·        “All you need is faith only”

If these approaches are indeed true and scripturally based it would seem that something in Scripture would support it.   However, nowhere in the New Testament do we see an example of praying a certain prayer (often called “The Sinners Prayer”) asking Jesus to come into your heart and thus you are saved.

What about “faith only” or just believing to be saved?   Is there anywhere in the New Testament that the phrase “faith only” or “faith alone” appears?  Actually there is one place in the New Testament where this phrase occurs:

“You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” 

                                                                                                                   -James 2:24

James elaborates more on this topic in the same chapter, look at these:

“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but doenot have works?  Can that faith save him?”  (2:14)

“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”  (2:17)

“You believe that God is one; you do well.  Even the demons believe—and shudder!”  (2:19)

“For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”  (2:26)

Belief is an important step but it is not the whole of the way to be saved.  If we leave it at belief only we are no better off than demons and we know what their fate will be.   Belief and actions together are what equate to faith.

Salvation is a process that is not fully realized until you see Jesus face to face.  Throughout the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, God has always attached a requirement of obedience on our part to receive the promises He makes.

  

In addition to belief one must confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9), repent (Acts 3:19), be baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38) and to be faithful until death (Revelation 2:10).   Then one will receive the crown of life offered.   

In a real sense no one is saved yet!  We are in the process of receiving salvation but nobody can say they are saved until they see Jesus in person after this life.  Jesus has prepared eternity for us but it is not in our possession just yet.  I can say that I have the hope of salvation and eternity based on claiming Jesus and His promises to be true and following his directions.

How about you?   Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and the only hope for salvation and eternity?  Good!  But don’t leave it there!   Remember…

“You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” 

                                                                                                                -James 2:24

What is your next step in the process to secure salvation for yourself?

Have questions?   I’d be happy to share God’s answers with you.   Or you can contact me with your questions.  Others may be interested in the same questions you have and perhaps I’ll even write a future blog to address the question you have.

HAVE YOU GOT A PRAYER?

"He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find Him the rest of the day".                                                          -John Bunyon

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.   -Philippians 4:6 (ESV)

A boy was sent to his room for having misbehaved.   A short time later he came out and said to his mother, "I've been thinking about what I did and I said a prayer."  "That's fine," she said, "If you ask God to make you good, He will help you."  "Oh, I didn't ask Him to help me be good," replied the boy.  "I asked Him to help you put up with me."

The beauty of a conversation with God is t hat we can have one anytime, anywhere and about anything.  There is great power when our inquiry is intentionally focused.

If the request is wrong, God says, "NO".
If the timing is wrong, God says, "SLOW".
If you are wrong, God says, "GROW".
But if the request is right, the timing is right and you are right, God says, "GO!".  (Bill Hybels)

Approaching God with focus means learning to remain in His Word, to ask with perseverance and to believe and receive.  When you pray remember this...

• The love of God that wants the best for you.
• The wisdom of God that knows what is best for you.
• The power of God that can accomplish it.

"You can do more than pray, after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed."                                                                                        -John Bunyon

PRAISE & WORSHIP

Praise is the joyful recounting of all God has done for us.  It is closely intertwined with thanksgiving as we offer back to God appreciation for what He has done on our behalf.   Praise can be applied to other relationships as well.  We can praise our family, friends, boss or others.   Praise does not require anything of us.  It is merely a truthful acknowledgement of the good deeds of others.

Worship, however, is different than praise.   Though praise may be part of it worship is the art of losing self in the adoration of another.   Praise is easy, worship is not!

To truly worship God, we must let go of our self-worship.  We must be willing to humble ourselves before God, surrender every part of our lives to His control, and adore Him for who He is, not just what He has done.

Worship is a lifestyle and not just an occasional activity.   So how do you worship from Monday through Saturday?

Through worship we realign our priorities with God’s and acknowledge Him once more as the rightful Lord of our lives.

Worship is intertwined with surrender and is an attitude of the heart.  A person can go through the outward motions and not be worshipping.   God sees the heart, and He desires sincere, heartfelt, praise & worship.


Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens!

2 Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his excellent greatness!

3 Praise him with trumpet sound;
praise him with lute and harp!

4 Praise him with tambourine and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe!

5 Praise him with sounding cymbals;
praise him with loud clashing cymbals!

6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord!           -Psalm 150 (ESV)

FRAPPING

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."                  
                              -Hebrews 4:16  (ESV)

There is a Greek term in this verse that is used only twice in the entire New Testament. The Greek term often translated as "help" is "boetheian".  To better understand this term let's examine its other usage in Acts 27:17...

"After hoisting it up, they used supports to undergird the ship."

The context of the Acts passage is a storm at sea in which the apostle Paul was caught.  As one last measure to hold together the beaten ship, the sailors used "boetheiais" or "helps" (KJV), to undergird the ship.  Technically, this procedure is called "frapping."  Cables are passed underneath the ship and tied around the  hull in an attempt to hold the ship together.

Thus the writer of Hebrews, by using this term, intended to encourage his readers to seek God's undergirding in their time of need.

What areas of your life need to be "undergirded" by God?


Let's look at the broader context of Hebrews...

14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. -Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV)

Jesus is our source for strength and help. So, maybe its time for you to do some "frapping" in your life.

WORDS TO HANG ON TO!

47 And he was teaching daily in the temple. The chief priests and the scribes and the principal men of the people were seeking to destroy him,48 but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were hanging on his words. 

                                               -Luke 19:47-48

What an amazing statement, "...for all the people were hanging on his words." Jesus' words are indeed words to hang on to because they are life-giving. Jesus' words are not empty words, but words of the spirit and life.

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.                                       -John 6:63

What wonderful words of life we have to share with others:

He said He is the Bread of Life: "I am the bread of life" -John 6:48

He said without His blood, we have no life in us: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. -John 6:53

He said He was "The Way, The Truth and The Life". John 14:6

Jesus said that the man who hears his words and puts them into practice is like the man who built his house by laying the foundation on rock--a strong house that's able to withstand all kinds of inclement weather (Luke 6:46-49).

Take heed of Jesus' words today!

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.                                                   -Mark 16:16

Jesus' words are words of life, words to hang on to! AMEN!

WHAT DOES A DEVOTED FOLLOWER OF JESUS LOOK LIKE?

"And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."  -Acts 2:42 (ESV)

From the earliest days of the church it was evident that followers of Jesus Christ were devoted to the things of the Lord.    From the New Testament what might we glean as the focus of our devotion to the Lord.

A Devoted Follower of Jesus is...

1)  Devoted to SEEKING GOD regularly through His Word & through worship with others in His Church.

2)  Devoted to SERVE GOD with the blessed gifts and resources He has to help His church & our neighbors.

3)  Devoted to SHARE ONE'S FAITH story with others & the meaningful way God has impacted one's life through the Gospel.

This Three-Part Ministry Plan of SEEK, SERVE, & SHARE must be an integral part of the life of the Lord's church.   Church Leaders must design measurable methods and strategies whereby an honest appraisal can be done to see that progress is being made in these vital areas.   If any program, event, or other ministry does not promote one or more of these three elements then the life and vitality of a congregation may be lacking focus on the true mission of the church.