Are the of Images of Jesus Forbidden?
While the first commandment stresses the fact that there is but one God, in protest against the worship of many gods (Exodus 20:3), the second commandment stresses His spiritual nature (Exodus 20:4; John 4:24), in disapproval of idolatry and materialism. But the second commandment does not necessarily prohibit the use of images, sculptures, and paintings in religion.
The artistry and representation used in the wilderness sanctuary (Exodus 25:17–22), in Solomon’s Temple (1 Kings 6:23–26), and in the “brasen serpent” (Numbers 21:8, 9; 2 Kings 18:4) clearly show that the second commandment does not forbid religious illustrative works. So, simply having a picture or an image of Jesus at home or in church is not wrong in itself. What is forbidden is the reverence and the worship which multitudes in many lands give to religious images and pictures.
The excuse that the idols themselves are not worshiped does not belittle the importance of this prohibition. The foolishness of idolatry is seen in the fact that idols are simply the works of human skill, and therefore much inferior to man and subject to him (Hosea 8:6). Kneeling down to idles, praying to them, offering gifts, and giving reverence to them are all heathen customs that are fully forbidden by God.
Man can sincerely worship only by directing his thoughts to One greater than himself. Images and statues should not be used in worship. God refuses to share His glory with idols (Isaiah 42:8; 48:11). He rejects the worship of a divided heart (Exodus 34:12–15; Deuteronomy 4:23, 24; 6:14, 15; Joshua 24:15, 19, 20). Jesus Himself said, “No man can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24).
Images can never be accurate representation of Jesus because no one really knows what Jesus really looked like. Jesus’ appearance was similar to any man in Israel at that time. In fact, the Bible says, “There is no beauty that we should desire Him” (Isaiah 53:2). His appearance did not attract the attention. Men were not to be attracted to Christ by an outer beauty or the display of supernatural glory, but by the beauty of a perfect life. For this same reason, none of the writers of the gospels wrote about Jesus’ external look.
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In His service,
BibleAsk Team
