What does the Bible say about pictures of Jesus? This question has intrigued Christians and scholars for centuries. As the Bible itself does not explicitly mention the creation of images of Jesus, it opens up a fascinating discussion on the role of art in religious devotion and the depiction of divine figures.
The absence of Jesus’ image in the Bible can be attributed to the historical context in which the New Testament was written. During the time of Jesus and the early Christian community, the use of images to represent divine figures was generally forbidden. This prohibition was rooted in the second commandment of the Ten Commandments, which prohibits the creation of any graven image or likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, on the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth. As a result, early Christians were cautious about depicting Jesus or any other divine figures.
However, despite the biblical prohibition, images of Jesus began to emerge in the early Christian era. These images often took the form of symbolic representations, such as the Good Shepherd or the fish, rather than direct depictions of Jesus himself. The earliest known icon of Jesus, known as the “Dafni” icon, dates back to the 5th century and depicts Jesus as a young man with a long beard, a common portrayal in early Christian art.
As Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire and beyond, the depiction of Jesus became more prevalent. However, the creation of images of Jesus continued to be a subject of debate among Christians. Some argued that images could lead to idolatry, while others believed that they were essential for conveying the message of the Gospel and fostering devotion.
The Bible does not explicitly endorse or condemn the creation of images of Jesus. However, it does provide guidance on the proper use of images in religious contexts. For example, in Colossians 2:18-19, the Apostle Paul warns against being “led astray through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” This passage suggests that Christians should be cautious about the use of images that may lead to idolatry or spiritual deception.
In conclusion, while the Bible does not provide a definitive stance on the creation of images of Jesus, it does offer guidance on the proper use of art in religious contexts. The debate over the depiction of Jesus in art continues to this day, reflecting the ongoing tension between the desire to honor and worship God and the need to avoid idolatry.
