Just One Look

At a poker night last week, we mentioned a man's suggestion that we should envision Jesus as "looking like you."

At first thought, that sounds sensible -- since God made humans to look like Him.

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness".... So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. - Genesis 1:26-27

The Bible also shows Jesus came from heaven not as an animal or a bird, but as a human being.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. - Luke 2:11

Did Jesus look extraordinary while He walked the earth? Did He have a halo around His head, so everyone could recognize Him? Apparently not....

They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff. But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way. - Luke 4:29-30

How could Jesus do this if He looked different than everyone else?

So the man's comment on poker night is well taken. Jesus probably looked like any rank-and-file Nazarene of His time. But there's something else to consider, when it comes to this topic....

All who worship images are put to shame, those who boast in idols -- worship him, all you gods! - Psalm 97:7

Having a picture of Jesus (or some other god) in your home for worship purposes actually are violating one of God's Ten Commandments.

So how should we envision God the Father and Jesus -- for example, when we pray? The apostle Paul may have offered the best advice....

....God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lord, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light.... - I Timothy 6:15-16

Paul was blinded by a light when he first encountered Jesus (Acts 9:3, 8-9). May we all look to that "light of the world" for wisdom, guidance and help when we need it.