There is a famous painting that always comes to my mind when I imagine the face of Jesus. In the painting, Jesus has long, flowing hair falling over his shoulders. His white robe is simple and elegant. And he is gazing up to the heavens, with a serene look on his face.
For some reason, the serene gaze from that painting is how I usually picture Jesus. But, in reality, Jesus made more than one face. Throughout the gospels, he exhibits the full range of human emotions. Sometimes he is serene. At other times, he is compassionate. Occasionally, he is stern. Often, he is excitable. And, every now and then, he is anguished. When the Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us in Christ, there were many faces that he made.
This March, we are going to start our yearly journey of walking with Jesus to the cross. We will follow his ministry from its beginning in the wilderness to the agony of the crucifixion. We will watch Christ’s face change from story to story, as he perseveres, saves, forgives, fulfills, and sets people free from sin and death. All the while, we will reflect on what it means to model our lives after Christ, while we meditate on The Faces of Jesus.
One Month to Love
Center Your Life around the Law of Love…
Bible Readings
Week 1 Matthew 4:1-11 Endurance
Week 2 John 3:1-17 Reunion
Week 3 John 4:5-42 Forgiveness
Week 4 John 9:1-41 Fulfillment
Week 5 John 11-1-45 Liberation
#WIDENtheCIRCLE
Learn to love God, your neighbors and yourself.
Ryan began his pastoral ministry at Maize Manor United Methodist Church in 2014 after serving at the Church of the Messiah in Westerville, Ohio. He lives in Columbus with his wife, Mariellyn, and five children. Visit the Staff Page to learn more about Pastor Ryan.