I’m not sure about you but I always have a (possibly) cynical chuckle when I see Jesus portrayed as a beautifully manscaped Anglo-Saxon gentleman with flowing blond locks, perfectly proportioned features, blue eyes and perfectly sculpted beard. I suspect I harbour intense jealousy based on the hair element alone!!
What did Jesus look like and…does it really matter? Isaiah 52-53 (New International Version Bible [NIV], 1978/2011) provides a detailed description of the Messiah’s mission, suffering, and ultimate exaltation. Isaiah 53:2 (NIV, 1978/2011) gives us a clue about his appearance, saying, “He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.”
Professor Giovanni Judica-Cordiglia, a Shroud of Turin scholar, interpreted the information from the shroud and using his experience as a doctor and university professor of forensic medicine provides a description of Jesus which highlights a long, broad and straight forehead, large slightly protruding cheeks, slightly hooked nose, large head and large brain (Prof. Judica-Cordiglia, 1998). Accepting this description depends on the authenticity of the shroud, of course.
In a copy of an alleged letter from Roman consul Lentulus, to the Roman Emperor Tiberius, Jesus is described as having fair, long, wavy hair, black and strongly curving eyebrows, blue eyes, an expression of wondrous grace, long nose, short blond beard, slightly inclined neck, tanned well-proportioned face having the impression of gravity and wisdom, sweetness and good, lacking in any sign of anger (Holy Land Magazine, 1998). There are doubts about the authenticity of the letter.
Taylor (2018) conducted an extensive analysis of historical and archaeological evidence. Her findings suggest Jesus likely had olive-brown skin, dark eyes, short, dark hair, a beard (in keeping with Jewish customs of the time), and a height of about 5’5″ (166 cm). Taylor suggests Jesus would have looked like a typical first-century Galilean Semite, able to move through crowds unnoticed and blend in.
Does it really matter what Jesus looked like? Let’s consider instead that God knows what He is doing and Jesus’ ordinary appearance…
1. Fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah.
2. Made Him more relatable and accessible to people.
3. Emphasized His message and inner virtues rather than appearance/looks.
4. Demonstrates that His teachings are for everybody, regardless of social status, appearance or background.
5. Challenged people to reconsider their expectations of divine intervention and spiritual leadership. This aspect of His ministry continues to challenge believers to look beyond outward appearances in recognizing spiritual truth and authority.
6. Demonstrates the incarnational nature of His ministry, fully embracing human experience.
7. Allows connection for people on a personal level without the barrier of physical distinction, directly opposing modern social norms.
Worth thinking about.
Blessings,
Peter Edwards
References
Professor Judica-Cordiglia, G. (1998). Holy land magazine, Franciscan Holy Land Press.
Holy Land Magazine. (1998), Franciscan Holy Land Press.
Taylor, J. (2018). What did Jesus look like. Bulletin for Biblical Research 29 (4), 574–576. https://doi.org/10.5325/bullbiblrese.29.4.0574
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