Is it possible to come close to knowing what Jesus looked like?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: My family’s been watching “The Chosen”. The actor playing Jesus was “chosen” because casting felt he represented what Jesus would have looked like. This is the claim for the actor who played Christ in Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ”. Is it possible to come close to knowing what Jesus looked like? – T.C.
A: Outside of Isaiah 53, the Bible does not tell us what Jesus looked like, nor were paintings or drawings made of Him during His lifetime. Artists throughout the centuries have tried to imagine what He must have looked like; the truth is, we don’t know.
There’s a good reason for this. God knew that if we had an accurate portrait of Jesus, we would be tempted to worship it instead of worshiping Jesus Himself. We could even lapse into a type of idolatry, and that would be wrong.
Someday we will know what the risen Christ looks like, for someday every person will behold Him. Those who know Him as Savior will enter His presence forever, and the Bible says, “We will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is” (1 John 3:2, NASB). We will share in His resurrection glory and His sinless perfection.
While a physical portrait of Jesus Christ is not given to us, the Bible gives us the portrait of His heart and tells us not to despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, “knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance” (Romans 2:4, NKJV). His compassion is so great for mankind that He stands ready to forgive man’s sin and to prepare a place in Heaven for each one who will turn to Him. There’s no love greater.
The question everyone must answer is: Are we ready for that glorious day? We all must come to the place where we accept Him as Savior and follow Him, or reject Him. This determines our eternal destination.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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