Jesus Is For Everyone!

I hope you're all enjoying your Easter celebration...or if you don't celebrate, I hope you're having a nice day anyway.

Most of us know the story. Jesus was crucified, died, and rose from the dead 3 days later. Yep...I know...that's a big story to accept...that's why we call it "faith". But what has Jesus become in the 21st century? I was always taught that Jesus is with us always and that we're all God's children...so, I have to ask, does Jesus appear differently to different people? Hey, if the guy could change water into wine, I think he could blend in with any crowd.

This is the picture of Jesus that I'm most accustomed to. When I was a kid, our Aunt Grace had this picture in her living room. I also saw it in lots of other places. To me, this is my personally recognized image of Jesus.

If you look around...especially on the internet, you'll find LOTS of different images of Jesus Christ. In honor of the Easter celebration, I've decided to add some here. 

This one always confused me a bit. The blonde haired, blue eyed Jesus. For lack of a better phrase, I'll call this the Aryan Jesus..or if that term is offensive...the Norse Jesus. Still doesn't make sense. Jesus was from the Middle East. I doubt he had blonde hair and blue eyes. I could be wrong...

I knew a fair number of Greeks growing up...still do. When I was a kid, I never understood why they celebrated Xmas and Easter at different times than the rest of us. More confusion! Anyhoo..this is the Greek Jesus...and he doesn't look too happy! 

I saw this one a bit growing up. The Black Jesus. Probably closer to reality...but He was probably less black than Middle Eastern looking. I watched a documentary a while back where forensic scientists, using the skull of a 12 year old boy from Jesus' old neighborhood, tried to recreate what they feel a typical 12 yr old Jesus would have looked like. He looked surprisingly Jewish. I mean stereotypically Jewish! His name could've been Melvin!

I'll call this one 21st century American Jesus. He's toting a gun, hates anyone that isn't "typically American" and is staging his comeback tour....with all proceeds going to the Walton family. Nope...sorry...this doesn't jibe with the Jesus I was taught about. 

A friend collects Jesus pictures and this one is a personal fave. It's Sports Enthusiast Jesus! Dying for the world's sins is a tough job...so He's gotta stay in shape. A well-balanced diet of fishes, loaves, and wine and some healthy exercise keeps the Son of God in tip top shape!

I saw this one and just didn't know what to think. I guess this is El Jesus...the Mexican wrestler Jesus...or the comic book lover's Jesus. Hey...Jesus is for EVERYONE!

Which leads me to this. I guess it's the Manga/anime Jesus. It kinda creeps me out....but all of those anime characters do...with their big ol' bug eyes, fighting monsters, etc. I guess Jesus really IS for everyone!

I could have posted a lot more...but it's Easter Sunday and I have a ham to cook! If you're reading this, you have access to the internet, so you can look up your own Jesus. 

Lastly, I'd like to suggest a new, hip nick name for Jesus. This way, all of the Americans who feel they're being persecuted for their Christian beliefs can use this phrase without fear of reprisal. In honor of Easter, I suggest we call refer to Him as, simply, The Riz! The Riz is for everyone!