Religion & Spirituality

The Incomplete Picture of Jesus

The Incomplete Picture of Jesus

I don't like to watch a lot of movies or shows, like "The Bible" by the History channel, or "The Chosen" by Angel Studios. Why? Because they only show half of Jesus.

Jesus is the most complex, interesting, intelligent man to have ever lived. He was also passionate about love, truth, justice, and wisdom. Passionate to the point it was intimidating. People talk about Jesus being loving, and he was, but he did both types: the soft, tender love, and the tough love.

Jesus was patient with those who needed patience, but was strict with the arrogant, hypocritical, and abusive. If you read Matthew 23, it is basically an entire chapter of Jesus telling off the Pharisees. He uses terms like "twice the child of hell you are", and "brood of vipers" to describe the Pharisees.

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are." Matthew 23:15

"“You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?" Matthew 23:33

Jesus also didn't tolerate the corruption of His Father's house.

"When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me. John 2:13-17

This right here, this is my Jesus: a badass. Jesus was so angry, he created a whip and yelled at everyone (the irreverent) to get out of His Father's temple. Jesus has this kind of anger when someone does wrong to us, too. He is protective of his children like a lion.

I don't like the media's portrayal of Jesus, because they often overlook these instances that are Biblical, and paint a picture of Jesus that is well, a wuss. "Like a rose trampled on the ground". Jesus is not a rose trampled on the ground. He is like Aslan: a noble lion that allowed himself to be killed for humanity's sake. He could have called His Father to send twelve legions of angels to protect him (Matthew 26:53), but he took the crucifixion like a champ.

Another thing some people don't realize is, Jesus actually didn't want to die. He really struggled with the idea of being tortured to death. Who wouldn't? That's what makes him so relatable: he understands physical pain and anguish.

"He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground." Luke 22:41-44

Jesus actually needed help being crucified. An angel came and strengthened Him. Some might see him weaker for it, but I think the reason the Father put him in that situation is to show just what a huge sacrifice he was making: He was paying the debt of death, the most horrible thing in the world, the debt Adam and Eve nor you or I could ever payback perfectly.

Jesus is the colorful, passionate, complex, compassionate, genuine individual. He was so well-rounded, and he had a perfect temper. He knew when to get mad. And he's creative, too. As the Father, he created the platypus. This isn't in the Bible, but its something to think about. Who doesn't create the platypus but someone with a sense of humor?

This is my Jesus. This is the God I worship. A Father whom is kind and patient, but also knows how to snap me back into place when I become selfish or think myself better than others. He is passionate. He is protective. He is honest. He is a Father that loves discipline, and ultimately loves me and wants the best for me (Hebrew 12:6).

The Incomplete Picture of Jesus
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