Was Jesus White? Does the Bible Say Jesus was White? Get to know what the Bible says about Jesus’ skin color and how we are to regard Him
Was Jesus White? BEST OF CHRISTIANITY Search Primary Menu Skip to content Home Daily devotionals Gospel Holy Spirit Finance Global Quotes Prayer request And Praise Report Form Contact Us Give Love Miracles Faith Grace News [email protected] Subscribe Bible Verses What The Bible Says BIBLE SUPER-SEARCH About Us Search for: What The Bible Says Was Jesus White? January 22, 2023 Desemond Mbantoh Leave a comment ×search Custom Search Was Jesus White? Much of western art portrays Jesus as having white skin and light hair. Is that what Jesus really looked like? If not, why is He so often portrayed that way. We’ll start by calling on your attention to the fact that the Bible nowhere gives a physical description of Jesus. Behold, the Bible does not say anything about Jesus’ weight, height, skin color, hair color, or eye color. As a matter of fact, such things are not important to understanding who Jesus is. The closest the Bible comes to describing what Jesus looked like is a non-detailed sketch of what Jesus was not like in Isaiah 53:2: “He had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.” Notice that Isaiah 53:2 is saying that Jesus was ordinary-looking. Brethren, the description of the glorified Jesus having white hair and bronze skin in Revelation 1:14–15 should not be understood literally unless you also believe that Jesus has seven stars in His right hand, a sword in His mouth, and a face as bright as the sun (Revelation 1:16). According to the Bible, Jesus was a Jew, a.k.a., a Hebrew or Israelite. Jesus lived in the Middle East and was of Semitic descent. Following this, He would have likely had light-to medium-brown skin, brown eyes, and dark-brown to black hair. While Middle Easterners occasionally have light skin, comparably to that of Europeans, such skin tones are rare in that part of the world. Therefore, was Jesus white? The answer is that He was very much likely not white. Was Jesus White? From our previous discussions, it’s clear that Jesus was very much likely not white. So, if Jesus like was not white, why is He so often portrayed that way? By examining artists’ portrayals of Jesus from around the world, we notice that they often portray Jesus in a way similar to what people look like in that particular culture. Europeans portray Jesus as a European. Africans paint Jesus as an African. Asians illustrate Jesus in a way that makes Him look Asian. As a matter of fact, people prefer to picture Jesus as looking somewhat like them, or at least like people they are familiar with. Biblically, is it wrong to do this? Not necessarily. As long as we do not allow our preferred image of Jesus to become an idol for worship or a stumbling block for others, there is nothing wrong about imaging Jesus looking a certain way. The Lord God Almighty is more concerned about the condition of our hearts. Jesus is the Savior for “all nations” (Matthew 28:19; Galatians 3:8). Regardless of a person’s skin color, race, ethnicity, or nationality, he or she can experience forgiveness of sin and reconciliation with God through the crucified and risen Christ. In fact, the love of Jesus transcends skin color. Having no physical description of Jesus, people naturally imagine the Son of Man to be like themselves. And as such, we should not be dogmatic about our preferred image of Jesus. The fact that the Bible nowhere gives a physical description should serve as a caution against arrogance and presumption on this subject. Brethren, what Jesus looked like does not really matter. His physical appearance has nothing to do with His being the Savior of the World (John 3:16). What Does the Bible Say About Racism? Behold, we’ll start by saying that there is only one race – the human race. It is important for us to understand that there is only one race. And as such, Africans, Asians, Caucasians, Arabs, Indians, and Jews are not different races. Rather, they are different ethnicities of the human race. All human beings have the same physical characteristics (with minor variations, of course). Most importantly, all human beings are equally created in the Image and Likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27). The Lord God Almighty loved the world so much that He sent Jesus Christ, His beloved Son to lay down His life for us (John 3:16). Note that the “world” obviously includes all ethnic groups. As such, anyone who Believes in Him is granted access to God’s family and given Eternal Life. The Lord God Almighty does not show favoritism or partiality (Deuteronomy 10:17; Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9), and neither should we. Notice how James 2:4 describes those who discriminate as “judges with evil thoughts.” Instead of discriminating, we are to love our neighbors as ourselves (James 2:8). In the Old Testament, the Lord God divided humanity into two “racial groups: Jews and Gentiles. The Lord God’s intent was for the Jews to be a kingdom of priests, ministering to the Gentile nations. Instead, for the most part, the Jews became proud of their status and despised the Gentiles. Amazingly, Jesus Christ put an end to this, destroying the dividing wall of hostility (Ephesians 2:14). And as such, all forms of racism, prejudice, and discrimination are affronts to the work of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary. Racism and Reconciliation Racism is about making quick judgments on the characteristics of an ethnic group to rate them as inferior or superior – demonstrating bias or partiality. Behold, racism is a problem we can’t ignore or run away from. It’s an issue today, and it was an issue throughout history, including when the Bible was written. The Good News, which is the gospel of Jesus Christ does not only bring us close to God but also to people we once considered so different from ourselves (Ephesians 2:13). The Lord God restores our relationships with people and groups we’ve mistreated. That’s called reconciliation: the removal of prejudice as well as the restoration of a relationship to healthy understanding and appreciation for each other. Brethren, God is a reconciling God. The Gospel is, at its very core, a message of reconciliation. Behold, the Bible repeatedly warns against treating foreigners badly (Exodus 22:21, Leviticus 19:34, Deuteronomy 23:7). Every man, woman, and child (born and unborn) bears the divine image of God. His infinite beauty and complexity are reflected in the diverse tapestry of humanity. Removing any one thread prevents us from seeing God as clearly as we should. James 2:8-9 says, If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. Brethren, every life is precious. Matthew 10:29-31 says, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Biblical Facts About Racism Jesus Christ commands us in John 13:34, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Likewise, Jesus Christ teaches us in Matthew 25 that whatever we do to the least of His brothers, we do to Him. If we treat a person with contempt, we are mistreating a person created in God’s image; we are hurting someone whom God loves and for whom Jesus Christ suffered and died. Sadly, racism, in varying forms and to various degrees, has plagued on humanity for thousands of years. Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ of all ethnicities, it should not be so. Victims of racism, prejudice, and discrimination need to forgive because we have all sinned and need forgiveness (1 John 1:8-9). Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Those who practice racism, prejudice, and discrimination need to Sincerely Repent and start Loving Others as they love themselves. Galatians 3:28 says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Irrespective of our ethnic origins, we are all created in God’s image and likeness and as such should live in peace, and love and treat each other with compassion and kindness. Genesis 1:26-27 says, Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. One Race Acts 17:26 says, “And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place,” The Bible teaches that all people who have ever lived plus those who are still living are descendants of Adam and Eve. Therefore, all people are of the same race -the human race. The Jews in Jesus’ time had grown up with the belief that they alone were God’s people. As such, they were in shock when they learned that Jesus had come for the whole world. Peter, one of the twelve Apostles tutored by Jesus Christ received a vision from God regarding this and stated, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right” (Acts 10:34-35). The Apostle Paul made several major missionary trips throughout the Mediterranean region. During these trips, he shared the message that Jesus of Nazareth is the long-expected Messiah and Savior of the world. Notice how Paul took the gospel of Jesus to white people, to black people, to olive-skinned people, and to as many people as he was led by God. Behold, it was a universal message without any racial distinction for blessings or salvation. Paul wrote in a letter to the church at Rome, “As Scripture says, ‘Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.’ For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved’” (Romans 10:11-13). ALSO READ What Does The Bible Say About Pastors Who Commit Adultery?What Christians Should Know About the Critical Race Theory? Critical Race Theory (CRT) examines how laws in the United States have built and supported racial inequalities. It is an ideological framework that names race as a social construct and asserts that racialized inequities in society are fostered by historic and current systemic, legal, and institutional policies and practices. Rev. Dr. Miguel De La Torre says, “Critical Race Theory understands racism not as biological, but as a social construct designed consciously or unconsciously to further the power, profit and privilege of white people. These constructs are naturalized and legitimized through social structures and institutions.” Rev. Dr. Hyemin Na says, “Critical Race Theory can provide resources to think about the ways the sin of racism permeates the fabric of our society in all its dimensions. Where there is suffering and inequality, Christians are called to mourn, repent of the ways we contribute to the problem, and join together to challenge the broader structures that produce injustice.”Dr. Kelly Hamren says, “While Critical Race Theory fails to recognize the root cause of racism (human sin), Critical Race Theorists have done a good job paying attention to the ways in which racism manifests itself in Western societies….[It] creates a greater urgency for those of us in the Church to do a better job at paying attention to these things and processing them within a Biblical framework.” Was Jesus White? Acts 17:26 – “And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place,“Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.“John 7:24 – “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”Romans 2:11 – “For God shows no partiality.“ John 13:34 – “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”Romans 10:12 – “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.“Acts 10:34-35 – So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. Group 1 – Was Jesus White James 2:9 – “But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.”Revelation 7:9 – “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,”Acts 10:34 – So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, Genesis 1:27 – “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”Genesis 1:26-27 – Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Group 2 – Was Jesus White Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”1 Samuel 16:7 – But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”Ezekiel 18:20 – “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.“ James 2:4 – “Have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?“Matthew 28:19 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,“Matthew 15:22-28 – “And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” …“ Group 3 – Was Jesus White Matthew 7:12 – “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.“Nehemiah 13:3 – “As soon as the people heard the law, they separated from Israel all those of foreign descent.”1 John 2:9 – “Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness.“1 Corinthians 12:13 – “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.” John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”Deuteronomy 10:17 – “For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe.“Romans 10:12-13 – “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”Colossians 3:11 – “Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.“ Group 4 – Was Jesus White Ephesians 2:14 – “For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility“Nehemiah 13:23-30 – “In those days also I saw the Jews who had married women of Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. And half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod, and they could not speak the language of Judah, but only the language of each people. And I confronted them and cursed them and beat some of them and pulled out their hair. And I made them take an oath in the name of God, saying, “You shall not give your daughters to their sons, or take their daughters for your sons or for yourselves. Did not Solomon king of Israel sin on account of such women? Among the many nations there was no king like him, and he was beloved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel. ...” 1 John 2:11 – “But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.”1 Timothy 5:21 – “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.“James 2:8-9 – “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” Group 5 – Was Jesus White Exodus 22:21 – “You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.”James 2:1 – “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.”James 2:8 – If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.Matthew 10:5-6 – These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Proverbs 24:23 – “These also are sayings of the wise. Partiality in judging is not good.”Ephesians 6:9 – “Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.“1 Corinthians 12:12-13 – “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.“ ALSO READ What Does The Bible Say About Substance Abuse?Group 6 – Was Jesus White Mark 12:31 – “The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”Colossians 3:10-11 – “And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.”Philippians 2:3-4 – “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Deuteronomy 24:7 – “If a man is found stealing one of his brothers of the people of Israel, and if he treats him as a slave or sells him, then that thief shall die. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.”Acts 10:28 –… truncated (20,254 more characters in archive)