Jesus On Our Wall

We were bombarded with images of Jesus in the film “The Faces of Jesus.” We saw him portrayed in all different styles and with all different expressions. Some focused on the caring, loving shepherd while others focused on the suffering savior. Some showed him judging the earth while others showed his healing the sick. We saw monasteries and churches in which every room held a painting or statue of the Son of Man. I was a little overwhelmed by it all, and not especially pleased. I wondered why so many images were necessary, and was glad my family and church wasn’t like that.

Then Dr. Redick asked an interesting question, “Do we have any religious images on our walls? What kind? And why?”

After seeing so many ostentatious and frightening images of Jesus, I didn’t even think of the images in my own house. We don’t have many, but above the dresser in my parent’s room is the classic image of a calm, brown haired Jesus that is very popular in America (it was mentioned in the film). And somewhere else I think we have a picture of a lamb.

I’m forced to think of these images in a new light after watching the film. Why do we have them on our wall? Perhaps to remind us constantly of Christ’s presence, or to honor him for his sacrifice? We certainly don’t worship the images, and honestly I don’t think we give them much thought. We realize that the representation of Jesus doesn’t have much basis for reality (we know he was a Jew but no specifics of his appearance are given) and yet we display it anyhow.

I still feel slightly uncomfortable with so many images of Jesus adorning these great churches, but I have to admit now that perhaps our traditions are not so far off. For some reason or another, my parents chose to put an image of Jesus on their wall. It has never bothered me before, but being a little disturbed by all the ones in the film has made me rethink. Why do we have a framed picture of God? I’m not really sure.

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