Check for images of Jesus on Google, and the plethora of possibilities is quite pronounced. Each of them, including the photos of actors portraying the Son of Man, is different. There was a certain tendency, however, until modern times, to portray Him as somber and/or soft. Most of the religious imagery until the 20th century falls into this category.
Sadly, our concept of the man is often colored by the images we've seen, rather than by the Book we've read.
Sadly, our concept of the man is often colored by the images we've seen, rather than by the Book we've read.
Does the Bible ever say explicitly "Jesus laughed?"
No.
But neither does it say that He was somber.
Does the Bible ever record Jesus as being carefree, happy-go-lucky?
No.
But neither does it record a serious, sin-conscious Savior.
The fact of the matter is that we know nothing of the physical characteristics of the Savior of the world. Everything we think we know has been passed down to us as the fruit of someone's imagination.
I am not saying we are wrong. I am saying we have no way of being accurate.
Yet, there are those who are upset with the concept presented in the first picture of a laughing Jesus--as if He never laughed.
No.
But neither does it say that He was somber.
Does the Bible ever record Jesus as being carefree, happy-go-lucky?
No.
But neither does it record a serious, sin-conscious Savior.
The fact of the matter is that we know nothing of the physical characteristics of the Savior of the world. Everything we think we know has been passed down to us as the fruit of someone's imagination.
I am not saying we are wrong. I am saying we have no way of being accurate.
Yet, there are those who are upset with the concept presented in the first picture of a laughing Jesus--as if He never laughed.
He told us on one occasion to not be gloomy (Matt. 6:16).
There are those who want to argue over whether Jesus was black or white. Others want to argue over whether His hair was long or short. Still others want to argue over whether He was wealthy or poor.
The simple truth of these matters is, we DON'T KNOW.
We DO know about what kind of man He was, though, because the scriptures paint a vivid picture of His character.
So we see that though He did not have a rebellious attitude, He did violate many of the rules of His day.
What can we draw from this?
Mainly, that we do not have to be total conformists to our church club called Christianity. We need to learn to be more like the Master, and live like He did in a society that is opposed to us.
Would you skip a church meeting if your pre-Christian friend wanted you to spend time with them?
Would you give your tithe to the homeless man begging in front of the fast-food restaurant?
Would you attend a Bible study in a bar?
Would you have dinner with an openly gay couple?
Would you tell your religious leader that you will no longer be bound by tradition that is against the Word of God?
Did Jesus ever laugh?
Probably.
He was a man who had to deal with the likes of Peter and Thomas.
Comments, questions and/or criticisms are welcomed here. Please add yours to the discussion. Thank you.
There are those who want to argue over whether Jesus was black or white. Others want to argue over whether His hair was long or short. Still others want to argue over whether He was wealthy or poor.
The simple truth of these matters is, we DON'T KNOW.
We DO know about what kind of man He was, though, because the scriptures paint a vivid picture of His character.
- He was spiritually minded--Lk. 2:49; Mk. 1:35; Jn. 5:19
- He despised a religion that did not set people free--Matt. 23:15
- He didn't care if people misunderstood Him--Jn. 6:67 (context vv. 53-67), and He didn't try to explain Himself
- He violated social morals--John 4:4-30 (the woman at the well); Matt. 9:11-12
- He violated religious rules and traditions--Mk. 7:2-5; Matt. 12:1-2
- He didn't accuse sinners of being sinful--Jn. 8:11
- He got violent and messy with those who used religion for making money--Matt. 21:12
- He did not talk nicely to the rulers--"You hypocrites!"
So we see that though He did not have a rebellious attitude, He did violate many of the rules of His day.
What can we draw from this?
Mainly, that we do not have to be total conformists to our church club called Christianity. We need to learn to be more like the Master, and live like He did in a society that is opposed to us.
Would you skip a church meeting if your pre-Christian friend wanted you to spend time with them?
Would you give your tithe to the homeless man begging in front of the fast-food restaurant?
Would you attend a Bible study in a bar?
Would you have dinner with an openly gay couple?
Would you tell your religious leader that you will no longer be bound by tradition that is against the Word of God?
Did Jesus ever laugh?
Probably.
He was a man who had to deal with the likes of Peter and Thomas.
Comments, questions and/or criticisms are welcomed here. Please add yours to the discussion. Thank you.
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