Images of Jesus

Another current thread got me thinking: Is it necessarily idolatry to have pictures and such of Jesus?

After all, He did come to earth as a man, and those who saw Him in human form knew what He looked like as a man. As far as I know, they weren't condemned for seeing Him in that form.

So why would it be idolatry for those who didn't see Him in person to have pictures or other images of Him as He may have appeared while He was on the earth? I fully agree that we should not try to make images of what we think God looks like, but I believe that's referring to Him in His divine form.

I personally don't believe it is idol worship per se, as long as one doesn't allow said images to become "gods" in and of themselves.

All opinions are welcome. I will sit quietly and read what y'all have to say.

It probably is somewhat misguided NMBH, considering that no one knows what he looked like, what good will a picture do but give a false impression or image of him? Why do you even need a tangible artifact to inspire you on any level. Bear with me here, but isn't a crucifix for example, sufficient or the same thing? Won't just having a Bible constantly on your coffee table suffice?
Christ can hear you from wherever you are in the universe, what does having a localized picture do?
If it's just a reminder, one might be able to equate that with the Jews mandate to write God's Word on their foreheads and doorposts (mezzuzah, phylacteries). But honestly, I'm not convinced that God necessarily meant that quite literally either?

Consider your intent NMBH, I personally can't think of a way to justify its necessity at all, especially considering that there are other disciplines or means that are less questionable, that can solve the purpose behind your objective?
For, you know what they say, 'if you're wearing it, you aint living it'.
Thanks!

I don't think a picture of Jesus is sin. I have this picture on a notebook I carry to church, and I have been called a blasphemer for it. So, "Yes", many Christians do come to worship the stereotyped image we paint of a pretty (effeminate) Jesus with long wavy hair and blue eyes.

https://lydslookonlife.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/fishing-net-and-jesus.jpg

No one on this planet knows what he looked like other than the description found in Isaiah 53...the bible is clear...No images are to be found...this long flowing haired Catholic Jesus posted by many sickens me.........and too be honest.....any attempt to portray Christ by an image devalues Jesus! He is God on throne, let us not bring him down to our level!

It doesn't stop with a curving/a photo/ a drawing/ a picture- what about those that think drawing 'mental pictures' of Christ dying on the cross for their sins saves them?

Paul says:

2 Cor 5:
16Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

As for an image of Jesus, Yeshua, His very ow Apostles and close friends did not recognize Him after being raised for He was being glorified.

As for His flesh body, why would we want to perpetuate imaginary likenesses of Him?

Personally, I thin k it spiritually immature to think any image of Jesus today is valid for most have Him as a handsome man, and all who read thee word know He was not especially good looking. He was a Jew of the Tribe of Judah. How they looked in those days also no one truly knows.

He was very dark but not comely, not one we would gaze upon for His beauty, yet I see Him as a beautiful mystery full of true light and eternal. I look forward to seeing Him in glory as to do all, I believe.

Ex 20:4You shall not make for yourself an idol of any kind, or an image of anything in the heavens above, the earth below, or the waters under the earth. 5You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,

Col 1:15The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him.

Conundrum?!

Birth pics of families. Graduation, Holiday, Wedding pics and so many more do we keep. Idolotry? Only if we worship them in place of worshiping God. Otherwise they are reminders..

Though obviously not a firsthand description, he is also described (not in a very flattering way) in the writings of Josephus; however, there is some discussion over whether or not Josephus is describing "the" Jesus, or just someone else by the same first name. BTW - the "long flowing hair" is not a "Catholic thing" - take a look at Byzantine and Oriental Orthodox (Copts, Syrians, etc.) iconography.

the last part yes he came down to human level

Sorry, but I personally think it is totally silly to say that to have images of Jesus is idolatry, even if it is made up. To say something like that, is just far out there in my opinion.

I personally like the images of Jesus with the sheep. Not because I am worshiping the made up image of him but because it is something that puts my mind upon him. Regardless of whether I know what he really looked like on earth, it still puts my mind upon him.

God uses things/mental images all the time in scripture to help us to relate to things that we have never seen and can't even image. Like we know it says we can't even imagine what heaven will be like, yet we have a description of lions be led by children, lions laying down with lambs, and so forth.

My 2 cents.

Because God is not a man as us and neither is there a infallible fleshly umpire set between God and man called a daysman .(Job 9:33) We do not need a image. And not only that we have no snap shots or DNA . It is left up the artist idea coming from his imagination. .

But we know no man after the flesh to include that of the Son of man which some did know after they were born again ( 2 Corinthians 5:16)

Those who do as in Catholisicim perform that because they seek after a multitude of gods that they must call patron saints(disembodied spirit gods) a form of necromancy (3500 and rising).

Christians serve one God in respect to our unseen father in heaven. One manner ( Mathew 6) called "this manner" . . .Our father who are in heaven". Not our brothers and sisters and distant relatives in the Lord. .

What the scripture refers to as legion it comes up comes up as many . . .never one. In their case they need they need to put a face on the delusion .Each one is assigned a different work in order to deceive .

Having a image of a loved one is not the same. Its not them we are trying to commune with. . If Christians they are dead asleep... waiting for the wake up call. . "Rise and receive your new incorruptible bodies". Then in the new heavens and earth the former things on earth will not be remembered or ever come to mind forever more

The instand Jesus, Yeshua, placed His Holy Spirit in me, a message came with it, but also in that instand everything turned to light, everything. All I may say about that light is it is everywhere keeping everything extand until all the elements are allowed to pass away a with a loud noise.

I believe that all who have received the indwelling of th Holy Spirit will remain in the Light. We shall see. All love in Jesus, Yeshua, and may god bless all , amen.

All images, pictures, art, depicting the likeness of Jesus are reserved to the artists imagination alone. No one sketched out what Jesus appeared as during his time on earth.

Graven images, Idols, are not the same thing as pictures or art work depicting a figure. I think pictures of Jesus are perfectly fine and not against God's command against idols nor idolatry.

".... What Is Not Allowed?
The clarification as to what graven images really are does not forbid painting, sculpture, or other art forms as such, it does, however, forbid selling art as a point of contact for worship. All Scripture is consistent in condemnation of the worship of any created thing in place of the Creator. Here, the theological truth is that the essence of God is spiritual and unseen (John 4:24). (The Criswell Study Bible, p. 100)
The first commandment therefore forbids the worship of any false god, seen or unseen, it is here forbidden to worship an image of any sort, whether the figure of a false deity or one in any way symbolical of Jehovah.
The presence of the invisible God was to be marked by no symbol of Himself, but by His words written on stone, preserved in the arc of the Holy of Holies and covered by the mercy seat. (Barnes’ Notes, p. 52, Exodus 20) " Source: Bible Sprout-What Are Graven Images or Idol Worship?

Off topic but . . .
Actor Robert Powell who portrayed Jesus in the movie Jesus of Nazareth has stated people must not have pictures of him (as Jesus). He is a man; an actor; not God. Hats off to him. 😎

Read Isaiah 53....he was nothing like what he is portrayed as today and for d--- sure nothing like the sickening Catholic images posted by many onnthia site.....and then Revelation....HE IS GOD ON THRONE not a man!

The only image of Jesus that I have is this one..

And an excellent portrayal of Jesus he did too. I love the Robert Powell , Jesus of Nazareth movie.
Jim Caviezel was also incredibly good in the role in the movie, The Passion.
At times, knowing what the man himself looks like due to his many prior roles, he transformed in the different scenes in Passion.
Like when he looked down upon the Magdalene after saving her from being stoned. I knew that was Jim C. , but the face of that which was captured in the camera was not the same as prior.

Mr Caviezel is quite dedicated to the faith and wanted this role very much. I think his heart was so open to the portrayal that God worked through him in fashioning the spirit within the Passion itself. Five star acting. (IMO)