Face of Jesus

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Of course we do not actually know what Jesus of Nazareth looked like. But the idea of envisioning the face of Jesus is a way of meditating on the character and presence of God - the practice of iconography illustrates this truth.  Based on the biblical principle that humans are created in the image of God (1) , of necessity we anthropomorphize our concept of God, we conceptualize or visualize God in human features. The humanness of Christ supports this inclination. More significant than visualization, however, the biblical use of the phrase "face of God" invokes a notion of relational presence and awareness of the nearness of God, as in the sentiment of David ..."You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence (with your face)."

In fact the words for face occur over 450 times in the Bible with a variety of meanings from routine to deeply significant.
And it came about, when the days were approaching for His ascension, that He resolutely set His face to go to Jerusalem. (Luke 9:51)
Of most impact in my personal faith journey is the above verse in Luke describing an early stage of Jesus' ministry which conveys His sense of purpose and direction by reference to "setting his face." Many references from the Old Testament prophets to the book of Revelation refer to God's face as toward or sometimes against the people. In many cases people fall on their face in worship, reverence, or fear. After being in the presence of God on the mountain, Moses is described as having a countenance that was so radiant that he wore a veil. The martyr Stephen is described as having "a face like the face of an angel"as he was facing his accusers before his death. The account of Stephen in Acts 6-7 describes not only that Stephen could see the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God," but that Father and Son, as it were, could see him as well.


I have heard it spoken by people of deep faith that their confidence that "God sees them" is a source of strength in times of difficulty. Perhaps this is part of what is conveyed in the use of icons and images of the face of Jesus, offering an artistic representation of the presence and compassion of God. "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears attend to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." (1 Peter 3:11-12) Jesus himself said "See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you, that their angels in heaven continually behold the face of My Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 18:10)

The imagery of the New Testament narrative describes that John the Baptist came "before the face of Jesus" to prepare the way for him. One of those whom Jesus healed turned to him "glorifying God with a loud voice, and he fell on his face at his feet, giving thanks to him.." During the mountain "transfiguration" experience, Peter, James and John experienced a vision of Moses, Elijah, and the voice of God the Father. And Jesus "was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun." (Matthew 17, Luke 9)

During the passion week, Jesus fell on his face in prayer, in apparent grief and turmoil over the circumstances he was walking into. At Jesus' trial and execution, his accusers and the soldiers spat in his face, covered his face, and struck him on the face. The prophet Isaiah spoke that the Messiah would become "like one from whom men hide their faces." (Isaiah 53:3)

But the grief was to be overcome by the life and the light of the resurrection. "For God, who said 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6) The truth of the incarnation - the life, teaching, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ - gives flesh to the biblical teaching of people being created in God's image, and further provides the template that we need for our own way of life. Thus the image of Christ refers not merely to a portrayal of Jesus but an example and ideal to which believers aspire.

But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, 'Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever, Amen.' (Revelation 7)

Oh Lord, You're beautiful,
Your face is all I see,
For when your eyes are on this child
Your grace abounds to me

 Oh Lord, please light the fire
That once burned bright and clean
Replace the lamp of my first love
That burns with holy fear
Keith Green, 1980
Notes:
(1) Genesis 1:26a, 27 "Then God said, 'Let us make man (humanity) in our image, in our likeness' ...So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." And on Jesus, "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on the earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and form him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." (Colossians 1:15-17)

Images: 

 Christ Pantokrator, Cefalú Cathedral , Italy, 13th century: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cefal%C3%B9_Cathedral

YouTube video of worship session, Jesus '19, Jesus Image Conference. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivUb1K0B0zE

Icon of Extreme Humility - taken from an article by Joanne Jamis Cain, Orthodox Christian Network, http://myocn.net/icon-extreme-humility/

 Joan Taylor, King's College, London. https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35120965

Jesus - Resurrection: https://www.beliefnet.com/faiths/christianity/galleries/5-important-facts-about-jesus-resurrection.aspx