I have an issue with the modern view of Jesus. Most Christians make our Messiah look like a complete wimp. Take a look at the many pictures of Jesus and you will see a soft skinned, air brushed version of Jesus with product in His hair - ready, willing and able to grace Himself on the pages of trashy magazines.
Guys, let’s get real for a second here. Our Christ looks like a Lamb that was slain. In His resurrection body, even His own disciples didn’t recognise Him. The only man made things in heaven are the scars our early version of humanity gave to our Lord. Our Christ has a battered image because of you and me. Don’t believe me? Read on…
“Just as there were many who were appalled at him his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness” Isaiah 52:14
In His resurrection, did our Lord get an “extreme makeover” from all His scars? I don’t think so..
“Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. ” John 21:12
Even His own didn’t recognise Him is His resurrected body. Why? Because His resurrected body carried the scars you and I placed on Him. To the point that those with Him for over three years didn’t recognise Him when they saw Him. And if you think for one second that when He returned to heaven He was given a body without blemish, think again..
“Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. ” Rev 5:6a
Our Christ is eternally marked by us. The only man made things in heaven are the scars of Christ. As humans we have made an impact on the eternal. Next time you see a “made in China” label, I hope this resonates with you.
I know that many of you NT only Christians will throw the “love” chapter of 1 Cor 13 at me right now. Don’t bother, here it is..
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” 1 Cor 13:4-7
And I agree that this is the love of God. But it’s a completely different love to the soap driven, shallow love that we as humans profess to have. Have a look at the following verse to see the climactic expression of this love..
“Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer” Isa 53:10a
Love caused our Father to crush Jesus. Love hurts - and love has its revenge. Remember our God is a jealous God. Why? Because of love. Real love. Raw love. True love. A love which is foreign to you and me. So let’s not make our Jesus look like a Barbie doll. Let’s view Him in the light of scripture and the kind of love that resonates in His heart and not our depraved version of love.
When He returns, I think most “lovey dovey” NT only Christians will be shocked…
“For with fire and with his sword the LORD will execute judgment upon all men, and many will be those slain by the LORD.” Isa 66:16
He will have His vengeance.
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