Is It Wrong to Have Pictures of Jesus?
Can Christians have pictures of Jesus? Explore the Bible's perspective on images and discover how pictures can be used to deepen your faith.
BIBLE INSIGHTSJESUS CHRIST
Many pictures show Jesus Christ – in paintings, statues, even everyday things. But can Christians have these pictures? This question has been around for a long time, and the answer depends on how you understand the Bible. Let's see what the Bible says about pictures and how they can be used in our faith.
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The Second Commandment and Idols
One big reason some worry about pictures of Jesus is the Second Commandment:
"You shall not make for yourself any carved image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and to the fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments." (Exodus 20:4-6, KJV)
This passage is part of the Ten Commandments, which are a set of moral and religious principles that are foundational to Christianity. It prohibits the creation of idols and worshipping them. For some Christians, this extends to pictures of Jesus, fearing they might become objects of worship.
Understanding the context
It's important to understand the historical context of this commandment. It is when people lived much closer to nature, revolving around agriculture, war, and understanding the forces that controlled their world. The Israelites had just been freed from slavery in Egypt, a culture where idol worship was common. This commandment established the worship of the one God, Yahweh, and prohibited the Israelites from following the practices of their former captors.
Unlike pictures of Jesus, which are meant to be symbolic representations, these idols were often believed to be literal embodiments of the deities they represented. Bowing down to these images was seen as literally worshipping a false god.
The New Testament Doesn't Say No
Source: Google Image
But it's important to see that the New Testament, the second part of the Bible, doesn't directly talk about pictures. Early Christians had similar questions, but there's no record of them saying pictures were wrong altogether.
Why Pictures Can Be Helpful
So, if pictures aren't bad, how can they help us as Christians? Here are some good ways to think about pictures of Jesus:
Reminders of Our Faith: A picture of Jesus on the wall or a necklace with his image can be a constant reminder of his teachings and what he did for us.
Help Us Pray: Looking at a picture of Jesus during prayer can help us focus and connect with our faith better.
Teaching Tools: Pictures showing Bible stories can be a great way to teach children and adults about the Bible.
Inspire Us: Beautiful artwork of Jesus can fill us with awe and respect for God.
Source: Google Image
The Key: Not Worshipping Pictures
The most important thing is to make sure these pictures don't become idols themselves. Here's how to keep your focus on God when using pictures of Jesus:
Remember, it's just a picture. True worship comes from the heart, not from treating an object like a god.
Focus on Jesus' message, not the details. Don't get hung up on what Jesus might have looked like in the picture.
Don't pray to the picture itself. Prayer is for God, not an image.
-> Read more: 5 Signs Your Life Is On Track
Source: Google Image
Following Your Feelings
In the end, the decision of whether or not to have pictures of Jesus is up to you. If having them makes you feel uneasy or like it might lead you to worship a picture, then it's best to avoid them. But, if pictures serve as a meaningful reminder of your faith, then feel free to have them in your life.
Conclusion:
As mere mortals, we can never fully capture the divine essence of God in our art. However, if viewing an image of Christ aids in visualizing Him and fostering a deeper connection with His teachings, then these images and statues serve a valuable purpose. Ultimately, regardless of one's faith and their use of religious imagery, the most crucial aspect remains an authentic connection with God.