A portrait of Christ

This is what I seek…to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD (Psalm 27:4).

What is your favorite picture of Jesus?

Many people like the portrait of Jesus’ head against a dark background, His face gently glowing with light. They find peace by looking at His calm, composed features, a sense of security when emotions are running wild.

Another popular one is Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, a ray of light coming down to Him from heaven. It reminds the viewer that Jesus has a close relationship with our Father God, and that the Lord approved of Jesus’ work on our behalf.

There are many pictures of Jesus as a shepherd, holding a lamb gently in His arms. Such paintings offer reassurance of God’s care. He has the power to protect us, He provides for all our needs, and He treats us with tenderness.

There are pictures of Jesus surrounded by children. These illustrate His love for everyone, starting from infancy. They send the message that you don’t have to be smart, successful, or popular in order to win God’s affection—the Savior welcomes anyone who craves His loving touch.

But the most dramatic paintings are of Jesus dying on the cross. They are not pleasant to look at, yet they summarize what Jesus’ life was all about—suffering for our sins. It was on the cross that the Lord of Life gave His life for ours. Isaiah says, he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed (Isaiah 53:5). In Jesus, opposites meet—He is both God and man. On His cross, opposites meet—Jesus suffered the punishment for our wicked thoughts, words, and deeds. It was during the shame and agony on the cross that Jesus accomplished His greatest miracle of all—He freed us from the curse of hell. When the Lord said it is finished, the universe was changed forever.

Jesus on the cross—it might not be the prettiest picture to gaze upon, but nothing does a better job of illustrating His great love for us.