“We wish to see Jesus” (John 12:21). Have you ever seen a picture of Jesus? You have probably seen some representation that had come from the mind of men. The reality is that no one today knows what Jesus looked like while He lived in the flesh. Nevertheless, if you read the Bible, you will see the many ways Jesus is pictured throughout the Word of God. Some latch on to one of these images to the exclusion of the others. Let’s consider some of the pictures used to portray Jesus so we can have a more “complete picture” of our Lord.
First, He is pictured as the Chief Shepherd of the sheep. The Messianic prophet Isaiah said that Jesus would, “Feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young” (Isaiah 40:11). Jesus spoke of Himself as a Shepherd in John 10:9-15, noting that, as the Shepherd, He knows His sheep, guides them, feeds them, and would lay down His life for them. Jesus is truly the “Chief Shepherd” of His sheep (1 Peter 5:4). See Jesus as the great shepherd of the sheep!
Second, He is pictured as the Lamb of God. Though Jesus is the Shepherd of the sheep, He is also pictured as the Lamb of God. John, in the Revelation, recorded these words: “For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters” (Revelation 7:17). As a prophet of God, John the Baptist saw Jesus in this way: “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world’” (John 1:29). Jesus is the Lamb of God whose blood was shed that our sins might be taken away. See Jesus as the precious lamb of God!
Third, He is pictured as the King of Kings. The angel told Mary the child she would bear, “Will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David” (Luke 1:32). Jesus Himself attested to this fact when Pilate asked if He was “a king.” Jesus responded, “You say rightly that I am a King” (John 18:37). Jesus has been given “all authority … in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). Therefore, “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow” (Philippians 2:10). Jesus is the “King of kings” (1 Timothy 6:15). See Jesus as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
Fourth, He is pictured as the righteous Judge. Paul wrote of Jesus as “the righteous Judge” (2 Timothy 4:8). Jesus will one day execute judgment as the Father has committed all judgment to Him (John 5:22). He will judge using the standard of His Word (John 12:48). No one will escape this judgment, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:27). See Jesus as the righteous Judge to whom we must give account!
Fifth, He is pictured as the friend of mankind. Jesus identified Himself as a friend by stating, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13). The evidence of this friend found in Jesus is seen in His sacrifice. Have you shown yourself friendly to the greatest friend you could ever know? Jesus tells you the way to do so. He said, “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you” (John 15:14). See Jesus as the greatest friend mankind has ever known! Seeing Jesus, what will you do? May you listen to His voice, find salvation through His sacrifice, submit to Him as your King, prepare for His righteous judgment, and be His friend as you obey Him!
David Eldridge