Images

Why is it that when the resurrected Jesus appears He is always hard to recognize? 

Obviously today it would be challenging for us to recognize Jesus because we never saw Him in the flesh. Still, the accounts we have in the Bible show followers who knew Jesus very well, and still didn’t find His appearance familiar. Thomas needed to feel the holes in His body, Mary thought He was a gardener until He called her name, and several disciples fishing needed a reenactment of their “call” story before they recognized Jesus. Even for those who knew His face there was an unrecognizable quality in the resurrected Savior’s physical appearance.

Google Jesus and look at “images.”  There are so many different interpretations of what God looked like as Jesus.  Some are serious, some are silly, most seem to  have a “disney prince” kind of vibe.  One of my favorites is “Jesus Laughing” because even though we don’t have an actual written account, we all know it happened and it is a great thing to imagine.

I don’t know what He looked like then, but I do know what Jesus looks like today.  

Today Jesus’ appearance is up to your interpretation. Think about what Jesus did, who He was…the more familiar with Jesus we can be, the better. Now who in your life has exemplified these actions and qualities? Whoever comes to mind should provide a pretty sufficient image of Christ. If you can, let that person know that you appreciate the “snapshot.” Jesus is meant to be reflected through those who believe so strive to provide the best pictures for others!