Exploring Perceptions: How do you view Jesus?

Isn't it an intriguing question? Ever since our early years, we have been exposed to an image of Jesus...

It's fascinating how the portrayal of Yeshua, the Lion of Judah, the Messiah, Jesus from the Children's Bibles we encountered initially, can vary based on the attributes and depictions we employ. However, most of us envision a quite common depiction: a man of average stature, clad in a white robe, with long hair, a beard, and gentle, compassionate eyes. Have you ever pondered the rationale behind the visual representation of Jesus?

While we aim to introduce individuals to our Savior, we are unable to provide a physical description of Him, leading to the perpetuation of distorted perceptions that have persisted for decades, even centuries.

Perhaps we should assess our current perception, against the detail we often miss in the Bible, and then compare the image we have, with the image we ought to have.

When Jesus was born, He was presented with gifts suitable for the King of all Kings (Matthew 2:11). Jesus spent His early years accompanying His parents to the temple, and throughout His life, He was a diligent student of God's Word. He delved into the Tanakh and was well-versed in the Word of God, even sharing teachings and revelation with those that were considered "Teachers" (Luke 2:46).

He worked as a "tekton" (Greek), a term that we translate as Carpenter but actually denotes an artisan or someone engaged in physically demanding labor, not simply Carpentry, but also Masonry and Metal work.

The key point I want you to realise is that we should envision a young man in his early 30s, well-educated in Gods Word and it is very likely that he was well spoken, not just due to the anointing but also due to the practice of speaking to teachers, a man that probably abstained from alcohol and unhealthy practices which would align to his Nazarite Vow. A young man that is prosperous and financially capable of eating well and healthy, and that engagied in physical labor for 15 to 20 years (Hebrew boys entered "manhood" at +/-13). In that era, devoid of power tools, individuals had to work with cumbersome, manual tools and heavy materials. They had to handle raw materials in bulk, refine them for use, shape them, and craft or repair various items. Are you beginning to perceive a slightly different portrayal?

Those of us who prioritize physical fitness understand that a young man leading a financially comfortable life, maintaining a balance between "education", social interactions, daily physical labor, and a healthy diet, would naturally possess a physique more akin to that of a World Class Sprinter/Athlete than the average male.

In the next discussion, we will delve deeper into some of the overlooked characteristics of Jesus and His disciples. By developing a more accurate and rational and spiritual understanding of our Messiah, lays a more solid foundation for our Faith. This evolution of the image of Jesus can better portray Him in the Pysical and Spiritual sense.

Until next time,

Stay Blessed, Go in Peace, and Show Kindness, remember,

you may be the only Bible someone gets to read today.

In Faith and Armour,

The Armoured

Some Scriptures to Read:

Mark 6:3: In his hometown of Nazareth, Jesus is referred to as a carpenter (Greek: tekton) by the local residents.

Matthew 13:55: Jesus is described as the carpenter’s (Tekton) son, indicating his family’s profession.

Matthew 6:2-3: The crowd in Nazareth questions Jesus’ abilities, saying, “What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?”

Mark 11:15-19: Jesus cleanses the temple by overturning tables and driving out those selling and buying, demonstrating his authority and power.