‘Do You Look Like Jesus?’

By LaVrai, 23 January, 2009, 4 Comments

holylandjesus

The title of the blog post “Do You Look Like Jesus” is in reference to a commercial I see once in a while on the religious channel for TBN’s The Holy Land Experience. The commercial’s announcer blurts out, “Do you look like Jesus?” and then starts a pitch for folks interested in playing parts at the Holy Land. Above, is a photo from their official Web site of one such actor who they apparently think looks like Jesus.

I could prattle off about how ridiculous it all is — since no one living today, nor anyone living then, took a photo of our LORD and SAVIOR Jesus Christ for us to even begin GUESSING what HE looks like. I could go on about why these folks portraying Jesus always have long hair (and the disciples usually have shorter hair)… where did all of this nonsense come from? And how about some of these false christs we have today… you notice that they, too, take on this man-made image of our LORD?

As I was considering the serious errors of these man-made idols of Christ Jesus, I realized that it is actually quite possible for all of HIS people to actually look like HIM. No matter our skin tone, eye color, hair texture, height, weight, etc. — we can look like Jesus. The Holy Bible does indeed provide a superbly detailed description our LORD and KING.

If you haven’t caught on yet, I am not speaking of HIS physical appearance when HE walked in flesh and blood among the people some 2,000e 2,000
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Štetje svetopisemskih vrstic se za?ne z 1! Vrstica 0 ne obstaja!

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years ago. I am speaking of the image HE left for HIS people to follow, so that we too, can resemble HIM… in character. For the LORD does not look at the outward appearance. It is the heart, the seat of our desires and intentions, that HE examines (Matthew 12:33-35Matthew 12:33-35
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33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. 34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.  

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; 15:18-20). So what kind of image did HE leave for us to take on?

The LORD Jesus Christ:

Was BOLD, HONEST & UNAFRAID TO SPEAK THE TRUTH – and spoke out against spiritual/ religious abuse and deception. And HE says to such people who place themselves over the sheep to purposefully use, abuse and deceive the sheep, “Woe to you… you will receive greater condemnation (Matthew 23:13-36Matthew 23:13-36
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13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. 14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. 15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. 16 Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! 17 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? 18 And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. guilty: or, debtor, or, bound 19 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift? 20 Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. 21 And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. 22 And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. 23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. anise: Gr. dill 24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. 25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. 26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. 27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. 28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. 29 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, 30 And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. 31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. 32 Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. 33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? 34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: 35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. 36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.  

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).”

Was HUMBLE – HE came into this world probably in a stable or some such place where animals are kept, for the Word says, “And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn (Luke 2:7Luke 2:7
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7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.  

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).” Even during HIS ministry when there appeared to be many who believed in HIM, Christ Jesus did not go around tooting HIS own horn (Mark 8:27-30Mark 8:27-30
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27 And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am? 28 And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets. 29 And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ. 30 And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.  

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).

Was LOVING & COMPASSIONATE - HE wept over Jerusalem who rejected her SAVIOR and KING (Luke 19:28-41Luke 19:28-41
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28 And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem. 29 And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, 30 Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither. 31 And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him. 32 And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them. 33 And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt? 34 And they said, The Lord hath need of him. 35 And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon. 36 And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way. 37 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; 38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. 39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. 40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out. 41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,  

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). He was grieved over the loss of Lazarus, whom HE loved, although HE knew HIS intention was to bring him back to life. HE was moved by how much Lazarus’ death affected his sisters (John 11).

JUDGED BY CHARACTER, NOT APPEARANCE – Consider the woman caught in adultery, the LORD refused to condemn her based on what others had said about her, but HE dealt with her personally (John 8:1-12John 8:1-12
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8 1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. 2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. 3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, 4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? 6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. 7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. 12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.  

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). Consider the Pharisees, who took on the form of godliness, who drew near to the LORD with their mouths, but had no real knowledge of HIM in their hearts (Matthew 23). Jesus tells the people in John 7:24John 7:24
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24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.  

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, “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”

DIDN’T HOLD GRUDGES - I supposed the greatest example anyone could ever find of how forgiving and patient the LORD our GOD is comes from the words HE spoke as HE hung upon the Cross, asking the FATHER to forgive the ones who were facilitating HIS death (Luke 23:26-43Luke 23:26-43
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26 And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus. 27 And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him. 28 But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children. 29 For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck. 30 Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us. 31 For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry? 32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. 33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Calvary: or, The place of a skull 34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. 35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. 36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, 37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. 38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.  

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).

Was PERSEVERING & DETERMINED - Jesus knew HIS purpose on earth even as a child and immediately starting going about HIS father’s business (Luke 2:41-50Luke 2:41-50
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41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. 44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. 45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? 50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.  

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). After HE started HIS public ministry, HE made many enemies — even among HIS own family. People tried to kill HIM on many occasions (Matthew 26:1-3Matthew 26:1-3
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26 1 And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples, 2 Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified. 3 Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,  

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). Those who knew HIM personally thought HE was mad (Mark 3:13-21Mark 3:13-21
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13 And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him. 14 And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, 15 And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: 16 And Simon he surnamed Peter; 17 And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: 18 And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite, 19 And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house. into...: or, home 20 And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. 21 And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself. friends: or, kinsmen  

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) and his own siblings rejected HIM (John 7:1-9John 7:1-9
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7 1 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him. 2 Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand. 3 His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. 4 For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world. 5 For neither did his brethren believe in him. 6 Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready. 7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. 8 Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come. 9 When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee.  

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). Nonetheless, Christ Jesus pressed on. Some of us turn around and abandon the journey because of criticism from friends and family — nothing and no one was going to stand in the LORD’s way. HE would fulfill HIS purpose. (John 12:27-36John 12:27-36
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27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. 28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. 29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. 30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. 31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. 32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. 33 This he said, signifying what death he should die. 34 The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? 35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. 36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.  

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)

OBEDIENT & FAITHFUL – Some say Jesus Christ experienced a moment of doubt or trepidation as HIS crucifixion drew near, based on HIS prayer in the garden of Gethsemane. It’s not likely the LORD feared anything, but was acutely aware of the suffering HE would undergo and the utter separation HE would feel from the FATHER the moment HE literally bore the sin of the entire world. But HE knew that this is what the FATHER required, so Christ Jesus did what HE had to do – that was the way GOD the FATHER had purposed it. (Matthew 26:36-46Matthew 26:36-46
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36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. 37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. 38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. 39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. 40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. 42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. 43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. 44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.  

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; John 17).

NEVER SAID NO TO THOSE WHO NEEDED HIM - No matter one’s status or social position, Jesus never said no to those who faithfully sought HIM. He helped the Roman centurion, the parents with demon-possessed children, the blind and dumb and the list goes on and on. The LORD teaches that we are to not turn folks in need away (Matthew 5:42Matthew 5:42
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42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.  

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), and tells a “certain lawyer” in Luke 10:25-37Luke 10:25-37
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25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? 27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. 28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. 29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? 30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, 34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. 36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? 37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.  

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that we are to treat each other with love and mercy.

RIGHTLY DIVIDED THE WORD – “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder…’ But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without cause shall be in danger of the judgment (Matthew 5:21-43Matthew 5:21-43
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21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: by: or, to 22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Raca: that is, Vain fellow 23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. 25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. 26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. 27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. 29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. offend...: or, do cause thee to offend 30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. 31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: 32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. 33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: 34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: 35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. 36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. 37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. 38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. 41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. 43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.  

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).” Christ Jesus explained the heart or spirit of the Law, showing that it isn’t just the letter of the Law — Thou Shalt Not Kill, for example — that we are to cling to; but that it is the full meaning of the Law — entertaining thoughts of killing someone is still a sin — by which we are to conduct our lives. Some of us sometimes end up misrepresenting the Holy Scriptures, looking only at the surface and not going any deeper. For example, it’s not uncommon to hear “Touch not my anointed and do my prophets no harm (1 Chronicles 16:221 Chronicles 16:22
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22 Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.  

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).” when someone wants to defend the obvious unrighteousness of a minister or TV evangelist. Folks will throw out “do not judge” in Matthew 7:1-6Matthew 7:1-6
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7 1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. 6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.  

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, but totally neglect to see the passage in the very same chapter a few verses down that instruct us to examine the fruit (vv. 15-19).

OBEYED THE LAWS OF THE LAND - Jesus was a rebel in the eyes of the religious leaders of HIS day because HE totally upset their schemes and taught the spirit of the Law to ALL who would hear HIM (not to mention he claimed to be GOD, the SON of GOD and displayed undeniable power). However, the LORD’s battle was spiritual — to save souls from perishing. HE did not come to overthrow the Romans and he didn’t protest against the earthly government. In fact, HE obeyed the laws of the land, paying HIS taxes and instructing others to do so (Matthew 17:24-27Matthew 17:24-27
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24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? tribute: called in the original, didrachma, being in value fifteen pence sterling; about thirty seven cents 25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? 26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. 27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee. a piece...: or, a stater: it is half an ounce of silver, in value two shillings and six pence, sterling; about fifty five cents  

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; 22:15-22).

Some of these may seem like no-brainers, but I have seen plenty of examples of so-called Christians behaving in the complete opposite of our LORD and KING, Jesus the Christ. We want to take on HIS appearance, but know nothing of HIS true character. It’s not enough to say we love people, but we are to live out that love. It’s not enough to be a Christian at home or at church, and then forget about our salvation at work or in the streets. And we can’t be chickens. The LORD is looking for courageous people, people with a spine — not folks that will give in when things get tough.

Conclusion

So, yes, it is quite possible for us to look like Jesus and we are instructed to take on HIS form. The internal work is HIS to do, but we have to decide if we will walk in HIS WAY. Consider Romans 8:29Romans 8:29
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29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  

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; 2 Corinthians 3:182 Corinthians 3:18
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18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. by the...: or, of the Lord the Spirit  

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, Galatians 4:19Galatians 4:19
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19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,  

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; Ephesians 4:13, 22-24Ephesians 4:13, 22-24
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: in: or, into stature: or, age 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. true...: or, holiness of truth  

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4 Responses {+}
  • HiScrivener

    The story began with a lot of typical TBN tomfoolery, but ended with a bang.

    I once heard a pastor say, “Some Christians and preachers need to use their backbone, and stop using a wishbone in their walk with God.”

    Nice scripture references too.

    Peace,
    HiScrivener

    HiScrivener’s last blog post..New law will allow pastors and parishoners to pack heat

  • LaVrai

    I have to remember that backbone/wishbone line!

  • Lori Laws

    I really enjoyed this article. I really liked this…”We want to take on HIS appearance, but know nothing of HIS true character. It’s not enough to say we love people, but we are to live out that love. It’s not enough to be a Christian at home or at church, and then forget about our salvation at work or in the streets. And we can’t be chickens. The LORD is looking for courageous people, people with a spine — not folks that will give in when things get tough.” Really, how true is that?

    Lori Laws’s last blog post..Moving Forward…

  • LaVrai

    Hi, Lori. That part you really like is something I have to remind myself of daily. It’s the easiest thing in the world to give up and quit.

    Peace.

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