We don't get a lot of insight into Jesus in the same way that we know and describe the fellow humans who reside in our circles. I mean, we know that he lived more than 2,000 years ago. And I realize that this is a basic stereotype, but he was Jewish so its probable that he had a long nose and dark hair. He was from the Middle East and spent the majority of his time outdoors so he likely had a dark complexion. But in regard to whether he was he tall, skinny, had brown or green eyes, we just don't know. And at this point we should reach the conclusion that God doesn't feel like Jesus's appearance was of great consequence as well. Because his appearance doesn’t really matter nearly as much as what he did for us does, and that’s why we’re grateful for him.
Yet, we are not without clues . . .
One of the most insightful verses in the Bible, in my opinion, is the verse referenced above where Jesus describes his heart as gentle and humble. Mind-blowing stuff.
And while we are on the subject of Jesus, I thought it might be interesting to discover the protocols in place when one were to have an audience with say, the King of England, King Charles III.
Protocol is very important in any dealings with the Royal Family, and while the Monarchy’s website states that “there are no obligatory codes of behavior when meeting the King or a member of the Royal Family,” you can certainly expect to make the news if you don’t follow “traditional forms.”
It doesn’t matter whether you’re an ordinary citizen or the President of the United States; there is quite a list of protocol rules to follow when meeting King Charles. One of the first things one must do is to be early. It’s normally rude to keep someone waiting, but it’s especially rude to keep the King waiting, considering he is the single most important person in the kingdom.
Once the big moment arrives, the rules diverge a little for men and women. Men are expected to give a neck bow (just the head bowing at the King), while women are expected to curtsey. If you’re not a British citizen or Commonwealth citizen, this isn’t expected but is still considered polite. Typically, one should wait until spoken to, and then the first address to the King should use “Your Majesty,” while any subsequent address can use this or “Sir.”
Conversation is also strictly observed. It should be limited to “small talk,” and no personal subjects should ever be addressed. If you’re sitting next to him at dinner, he will always speak to the guest of honor on his right during the first course before turning to the guest on his left in the next course.
Touching a member of the Royal Family is a big no-no. Normally, a formal handshake is permitted, and one must wait until he extends his hand first, but anything beyond that is seen as a breach of protocol. A hug, a kiss on the cheek, or even a light touch on the shoulder is not permitted unless he initiates it.
Lastly, one should never do anything before the King. It’s customary to wait to sit until he does, and one should not begin eating until he begins the meal. Conversely, when he finishes the meal, you should be finished, too. Most importantly, unless you have special permission from the private secretary to do so, you should not leave before the King does. When you do leave, you should avoid turning your back to him.
So there we have a smattering of the guidelines one needs to know and honor when meeting a member of the British Royal family. And the Readers Digest version of those requirements is this: The King always gets the first and the last word.
Now lets contrast that with the stories of Jesus.
Jesus: Always available, spent a lot of time in large groups with common people.
King Charles III: Requires an official invitation and appointment.
Jesus: Always interested in conversing with His children, no matter the topic.
King Charles III: Requires a official invitation and appointment, personal discussions are off-limits.
Jesus: When on this earth, he hugged, cried with, prayed with, laughed with, told jokes with, and crashed in the homes of his followers and friends, wherever he happened to end his day. He never owned a house, not to mention, a palace, and never employed servants or staff to meet his needs. In fact, several times he said that his mission was to serve, not be served.
King Charles III: No touching is allowed unless the King himself initiates that physical interaction. King Charles does not typically do sleep-overs, (Ha!) and spends most of his days in his palace, being served by his servants and staff.
I think you get the picture . . . now of course this comparison was never meant to disparage the character of King Charles III, it was meant to draw attention to the radically different way that Jesus approached his role as Savior and future King.
Jesus came to seek and save the lost.
Jesus proclaimed the Good News so that none would perish and all would have eternal life.
Jesus spoke of the value of all men and women, not just the privileged few.
When Jesus started his day, it was never about how he could increase his fortune, fame, or power. It was about obeying the direction of His Father, and serving mankind as He sought to bring about a new kingdom on this earth.
And finally, to finish on a personal note, Jesus said that in His heart, is not found judgement, or vindication, or harshness, or disappointment. Jesus says that in his heart is found gentleness and humility.
Selah
In the age to come, Jesus will embrace His role as King of the Universe. He will do battle with evil for the final time, and bring judgement to all mankind who have denied His lordship in their lives. All who have ever lived will bow their knees at the feet of His throne. In his domain resides all power and all knowledge.
Yet, for those of us who have embraced the gift of forgiveness that He freely gave after His sacrifice on the cross, we are promised a radically different future than the world we currently inhabit.
A world devoid of pain, sorrow, loss, evil, temptation, disease, death, fatigue, confusion, heartache, the list goes on and on. Up is down and down is up.
And greatest of all of these, we will also have complete access to our King, forever and ever.
And this despite the fact that in heaven, we are the ones responsible for the scars still to be found on His body. Yet, He counts those as badges of honor, as eternal reminders of the price He paid for you and me. And check out this future promise to believers in Revelation 3:12, He promises this to the Christians in Philadelphia, “I will also write on them my new name.”
The ‘new name’ of Jesus comes up again in Revelation 19:12 where it says, “He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself.” One thing to know about Revelation is that it is packed with imagery and allusions to the Old Testament. When searching online, I came across this reference to that scripture in Isaiah 62:
"The nations will see your vindication, and all kings your glory; you (Jesus) will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow. You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God . . . "
We know from studying our Bibles that the Book of Revelation is full of imagery, so I don’t believe the new name is literal, but rather symbolises these things:
- It symbolises belonging to Jesus (see also Revelation 22:4).
- It symbolises intimacy with Jesus (our new name has strong links to his own new name, which only he knows), along with a greater understanding of Jesus’ identity and a special relationship with Jesus.
Isn’t that wonderful? Jesus promised the believers in Pergamum and everyone who has an ear to hear that they will have special access to Him and a deeper understanding of Him if they persevere in this life. And as great as the idea of Jesus and I sharing a special password together is, I'm thinking these promises will mean a lot more in the world to come!
