Characterizing Jesus – False Perceptions
The more I study the more things are revealed to me to write so that others can understand and be convinced they are wrong when it comes to characterizing someone.
CHARACTERIZE meaning: 1 : to describe the character or special qualities of (someone or something); 2 : to be a typical feature or quality of (someone or something) often used as (be) characterized.
How will that tie into one’s belief? If anyone says Jesus is some other complexion than what He really was, they are lying. After thinking this whole thing through, I believe that God loves all people regardless of the color of one’s skin.
However, because God knew how much Satan hated Him, He also knew that Satan would cause people to make a distinction. This makes sense because Lucifer wanted to be greater that he was (Isaiah 14:12-14).
Who gives anyone the right to judge others because of the color of their skin, when the same God made us all. Although we are different in age, complexion, status in life, and so on, no one is better than the other. The root is PRIDE!
In the story of Joseph, look what a problem it caused when he favored Joseph over his other sons- they were jealous and sold him (Genesis 37:28). You see, God knows us and he knows what our abilities are yet He shows no respect of persons (Acts 10:34, Romans 2:11), and neither should we.
This is across the board, especially in the church; leaders are to serve with an attitude of humility, even thought they are to be respected but others are to be respected as well. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:3-5).
At one point Peter (a Jew) thought the Jews were better than the Gentiles until God allowed a situation to happen that opened his eyes, and he was delivered from it (Acts, chapter 10).
Jesus' other disciples had a problem with James and John asking to sit on each side of the throne with Jesus (Mark 10:35-40). Suppose you showed a difference with your children, how do you think that would make the child feel? All of us have different needs, but no one is more special than the other.
Two major points about Jesus’s complexion and His parents skin color
Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.”
When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son (Matthew 2:13-15).”
I will say this again, Joseph, Mary and Jesus’ color blended with the Egyptians.
Let’s accept who the Word of God says Jesus is. Someone might challenge this with “The
Bible doesn’t give a description of Jesus” I’ll answer with “Study history, culture, location” Many people are so busy trying to be holy that they miss the point that walking in holiness, is learning more about Jesus. The more one knows another person, the closer they are to them.
Ps. I would like to clear up an erroneous statement; rather than saying “fulfilling your purpose,” it should be “fulfilling God’s purpose” for our lives. Our purpose is to fulfill God’s purpose! Bible study helps to learn and say things correctly.
~ Betty A. Burnett ~
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