There are countless movies with actors portraying someone's ideal image of Jesus, numerous artists throughout the centuries who have painted his image on canvas, but these are just creative expressions trying to capture the essence of a man who changed history. The question remains...what does Jesus look like today? Of course we believe that there IS a "real" Jesus who walked the earth, healed the sick and the blind, and ultimately gave his life. That Jesus had his own unique appearance like you and I do by which people who saw him walk by could identify him, but what about now? What does He look like? I think the clearest way to answer this question is to look at how Jesus himself addressed it in his time with those who were looking for God. When speaking to Philip in John 14:9, Jesus said, "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don't know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you?"
For you Back to the Future fans out there..."That's heavy!" If you paraphrase what Jesus was basically saying- it would sound something like this: "Hello! Pay attention, folks. By now-You know exactly what he (God) looks like because you know what I look like. You know exactly what He would say because you have been in my presence enough to know what I would say."
Today, as the world looks for hope and millions still "search for Jesus" we have to understand that we have a major role in their discovery of Him. See, your co-workers have been in His presence since you started that job. Your neighbors have been living next door to Jesus since the day you moved in. Your mechanic changes the oil in Jesus' car each time you roll into that garage. Your barber...your grocery store bagger...your classmates....etc. They've ALL been in the presence of Jesus when they've been in your presence. Think about that for a minute. Our actions, our genuine concern for others, our prayers for those we know are hurting, etc. are the cares, concerns, and love of Jesus at work in us still reaching out into the world and touching the lives of those around us. We are the extension of his ministry...in 2018 and beyond. No, we are not "divine, little gods walking around with superpowers," but, Scripture tells us that the very Spirit of the Living God who created ALL things actually dwells inside us. GOD...LIVES...IN...US. Where we go, He goes (lets be honest...he leads the way). We are not always perfect in our representation of a perfect God, but that was also part of the plan. We are, however, "perfect examples" of grace and our imperfection (which is actually made perfect through Jesus) is an accurate portrait of the Gospel. It may sound overwhelming and also like a ton of responsibility, but it begins with being kind and treating people the way Jesus would have treated them. Remember the Fruit of the Spirit passage is Galatians 5:22-23? Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control. Lets simply begin there. Try exhibiting the above "fruit" in relationships you have with non-believing friends, family, & co-workers and in time, they will begin to experience what it must have been like to see, touch, and converse with Jesus. Think of it this way...God will do what He does best, but He will look a lot like you while doing it this time around. Be encouraged.
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