Was Jesus Black?
For some, that might at first seem like a strange question, given the common portrayal of Christ in art and cinema. However, that’s not a shared view, as some would argue that Jesus was African, and thus black in complexion. So, to answer the question “what was Jesus’ race”, the answer is simple, Jesus was of the human race. “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given … And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
The Bible does not emphasize or specify today’s definition of “race.” Unfortunately, that has become a word used to segregate and divide people. When God talks about man’s original design we read: “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7).
We were designed under one design, by the Hand of God. The blueprint of our design is what we call genetics. In his wondrous ways, God designed that humans will naturally adapt to look different depending largely on the environment we live in. Skin pigmentation is just one example of a factor that is influenced by our environment. It can change and develop in order to adjust the amount of ultraviolet radiation that can penetrate through our skin.
Today, because of sin, there are 2 forces that exist, good and evil – love and hate. The evil one wants to promote evil through hate. It was hate that caused Cain to slay his brother Abel and it was hate that caused the priests to kill Jesus. Today, we see so much hate, whether it be in politics, religious belief, or even the amount of pigmentation in our skin, but we can stop this. Not by anger, but by love … by choice.
My appeal to you and other readers: identify the thoughts within you, whether they be of love or its counter. Last, Children of God, in whatever you believe, think, or speak, remember this: “God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him” (1 John 4:16).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
