Jesus makes God visible and tangible. The Bible affirms that Jesus is the “image of the invisible God” (Col 1:15) and the “exact representation” of God (Heb 1:4). The function of an image and exact representation is to reveal, which can only happen if there is hundred percent similarity. Therefore, we can conclude that Jesus is the human face of God.
The insight that Jesus is the visual image of God has enormous implications for Christian living. When Philip expressed human desire to see God, Jesus replied, “He who has seen me has seen God the Father” (John 14:6). When we focus our thoughts upon Jesus, we pass through a window and reach the living God.
The Bible tells us that Jesus is the image of God, and we are meant to act upon that knowledge. It is not as if we have decided to treat Jesus as if He were an image of the invisible God. Jesus helps us visual God in a manner of which God approves. The love of Jesus for the outcaste, poor, sick, disabled and helpless mirrors the love of God for people who are often marginalised. When we look into the face of Jesus, and see there the very face of God, we know that we have not seen that face elsewhere and cannot see that face else how.
Once, a follower of Christ presented a crucifix, a carving of Christ upon the cross, to his sick friend. Offering comfort to his friend, he said, “I have brought you the image of your Creator and Saviour. Look at it, and be strengthened.”
The image of Christ upon the cross has been a gateway to a series of meditations on the goodness and love of God, and God’s overwhelming generosity and courtesy to His wayward people. God’s love revealed in Jesus Christ is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Are we following Jesus’ example and representing God’s love?