IMAGES OF JESUS

Jesus appears on the pages of John’s Gospel in the midst of the most magnificent array of descriptive images imaginable. More than mere metaphors or titles, these images provide us with thrilling portraits of the multiple facets of our Lord’s identity and purpose. They inspire us to contemplation and reflection and afford us clear insights into just who He was and is. Through them we gain better understanding of His Divine Life and His call upon our lives.

Within the 51 verses of the first chapter of his Gospel John tells us that Jesus is the Eternal Word of God that became flesh and dwelled among us; that in Him was Life and Light. He is the One and Only or Only Begotten of the Father full of Grace and Truth, and the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. He is called Rabbi, Messiah/Christ, Son of God, King of Israel, and the Son of Man. With this introduction John sets the scene for his presentation of the good news of Jesus and the many signs that will accompany Him throughout the rest of the Gospel confirming His identity for all who have eyes to see and ears to hear. The view is available for all to see but not all will.

Many signs were given that revealed who Jesus was. While there were many who saw these signs and believed in Him, there were many others who saw these same signs and rejected Him. (John 2:23; 12:37) Like those who can’t see the forest for the trees, they ignored the signs pointing to His true identity, all the while asking for a sign to confirm for them who He was. (Mark 8:11) Although very knowledgeable of the Scripture they were blinded by centuries of misinterpretation that took precedent over God’s own revelation of Himself. Thus, in abject ignorance of the Scriptures’ true witness, they didn’t recognize “the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote.” (John 1:45)

Adding to their confusion over Jesus’ identity was the fact that He often conducted Himself in a manner inconsistent with their manmade traditions. The true Messiah did not match the erroneous expectations of those who were the interpreters of the law and the prophets. God Himself did not conform to the demands of the administrators of the “things of God” to the people. Blinded by their misguided preconceptions and the evil in their own hearts they gazed upon the Truth, and rejected it as a lie. They looked at God incarnate and called Him Satan. (Matthew 12:24; Mark 3:22-23; Luke 11:15-19) Is there any wonder that someone could smell the odor of sulfur in a place where a man of truth had recently stood and spoken? (Matthew 10:24-25)

In the weeks ahead, God willing, we will look closely at the signs that confirmed these images John used to introduce Jesus. We will also hear His call upon our lives to bear these same images in His name in the world. (Isaiah 43:10; Acts 1:8)