Barnabas Ministries UK

Rev. E. Anderson

CHRIST LIKENESS

Senior Living Ministries

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” – Ephesians 5:1-2

If you’ve ever had the chance to visit the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, you might’ve noticed a portrait on a wall near the main entrance with the following inscription:

“James Butler Bonham—no picture of him exists. This portrait is of his nephew, Major James Bonham, deceased, who greatly resembled his uncle. It is placed here by the family that people may know the appearance of the man who died for freedom.”

In much the same way that we have no picture of James Butler Bonham, we don’t have a picture of Jesus Christ either. In fact, the earliest depiction of Jesus dates to about 200 years after his death, and doesn’t even show him with a beard!

But while no actual portrait of Jesus exists physically, His likeness can be seen in the lives of His true followers as they live their lives to emulate Him. And it’s by that depiction of Jesus that the world will know Him—the man who died for their freedom.

Showing Jesus to others isn’t about living a perfect life. It’s about letting God’s love flow through you and into others’ lives. So imitate Jesus with your life, and the watching world will know of the love that’s available to them! 

PRAYER CHALLENGE

Pray that God would show you how to demonstrate the love of Jesus to others today.