What Does Your Jesus Look Like

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.-Colossians 1:15-

As a pastor in a local church, I have many conversations with people who are having a hard time following Jesus. They become entangled again by the same alluring sin. They struggle with maintaining even basic spiritual disciplines. Sometimes they want to live for Him, and sometimes they want to want that. They are exhausted, discouraged, and defeated. They are disappointed in themselves and believe that Jesus is disappointed in them as well.
On occasion, I have asked some of them this question: What does your Jesus look like? If you were to draw a picture of Him, what would you portray? A few give quick answers, though most have never given it much thought. When they do reply, the pictures are varied and unique. To some, Jesus appears kind and gentle, maybe even a little passive or wimpy. (You’ve probably seen Jesus’ senior picture — you know, the famous one where He’s gazing peacefully toward the horizon?) To others, He is an angry and frightening warrior, holding a flaming sword in one hand and a lightning bolt in the other. Sometimes He is smiling, surrounded by children; or assuring — the Good Shepherd caring for His sheep. But one man described His picture this way: “He’s standing with His back turned slightly away from me. His arms are folded, and His head is cocked as if to say, ‘Really? Come on.’ I can’t quite see His face, but I don’t think He’s necessarily scowling or angry. I just thinks He looks disappointed, wondering why I can’t get my act together.”
A question struck me as I listened: Who would want to follow a Jesus like that? If your image of Jesus has been tainted by your life circumstances, your local church, or your cynical friends, you may not be following the real Jesus. If your picture of Jesus looks more like your disapproving dad or a legalistic preacher or a hypocritical Christian, you might find that following that Jesus just doesn’t sound too appealing. And you’d be right.
The good news is, that’s not the picture of Jesus the New Testament paints. He is full of truth, yet equally full of grace (John 1:14). He is not condemning (Romans 8:1), but is instead advocating on our behalf (1 John 2:1). He is a trustworthy guide (Luke 1:79), a friend of sinners (Matthew 11:19), and a watchful shepherd (John 10:11).
And I think you’ll find this to be true: As you come to know Him as He truly is, you’ll be drawn to following Him more closely.

Following Today
What would your picture of Jesus look like? Consider drawing Him, if not with a sketch, at least with a description. Does your picture or description match up with what the Bible teaches about Jesus? Prayerfully begin to re-paint His image in your heart and mind today.