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 When we hear the name “Jesus,” we tend to imagine a skinny, poor-looking peasant (with nice hair of course). Although I’ve never seen Jesus, it would not surprise me if he indeed looked poor and simple. After all, Isaiah 53:2 does tell us that “he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.” What’s interesting is that Jesus’ 33-year lifespan was only a small blip in the timespan of his existence. Throughout the rest of history, he was/is much more, well, epic.

In Revelation 1, Jesus shows up to John, and it’s quite a sight: [12] Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, [13] and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. [14] The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, [15] his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. [16] In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.  [17] When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, [18] and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. Revelation 1:12-18 ESV)

Oh, man! I would probably fall “as though dead” too. Can you imagine the sight? Burning eyes, a roaring voice, and a shining face were a little different from what Jesus’ old appearance was, and I don’t even know what to make of the snowy hair, stars in his hand, and a sword out of his mouth. As shocked as John was, I bet it reminded him of a particular day when he and a few others were on a mountain with Jesus. On that day, Jesus shone like lightning. It was a miraculous day. Or maybe, the miracle lied in the fact that Jesus’ splendor and glory were hidden under human skin for about 33 years. Ultimately, even in appearance, Jesus set a good example for us in humility. He set aside his divinity and clothed himself in humanity out of obedience to the Father (Philippians 2:7). Do we wear what we wear out of obedience and humility? There’s something to think about.

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