Many people wonder if displaying pictures of Jesus is appropriate or if there are any biblical guidelines about it. While the Bible doesn’t specifically mention photographs or artwork, there are principles we can draw from when thinking about how we portray Jesus in our homes and churches. Let’s see what Scripture might suggest on this subject.
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What Does The Bible Say About Pictures Of Jesus
Exodus 20:4-5
You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God.
This verse underscores the importance of not making images or idols to represent God. It emphasizes that worship should be directed towards God alone and not towards physical representations.
The use of pictures of Jesus can be seen as a form of idolatry, as it attempts to depict a physical image of the divine. Christians should instead focus on worshiping God in spirit and truth, having faith in Him without relying on physical representations.
John 4:23-24
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.
This verse emphasizes that true worshipers of God worship Him in spirit and in truth. Worship is not about physical representations or external rituals, but about a genuine heart connection with God.
Pictures of Jesus may distract individuals from the true essence of worship, which is to commune with God in the depths of their spirit. It is important for Christians to cultivate a deep, spiritual relationship with God and not rely on external images.
Deuteronomy 4:15-19
You saw no form of any kind the day the LORD spoke to you at Horeb out of the fire. Therefore watch yourselves very carefully, so that you do not become corrupt and make for yourselves an idol, an image of any shape, whether formed like a man or a woman, or like any animal on earth or any bird that flies in the air, or like any creature that moves along the ground or any fish in the waters below. And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars—all the heavenly array—do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven.
This passage reiterates the prohibition against making images or idols and worshiping them. It warns against the temptation to worship created things, whether in the form of humans, animals, celestial bodies, or any other creature.
Pictures of Jesus can be seen as an attempt to create an image, which goes against the principle of worshiping God as He truly is, without any visual representation. Christians should be aware of the potential for idolatry and focus their worship solely on the one true God.
Isaiah 42:8
I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.
This verse emphasizes that God will not share His glory with idols or any other created thing. It reaffirms the exclusive worship and praise that is due to God alone.
Using pictures of Jesus as a means of worship can be seen as an attempt to attribute glory and praise to an image, rather than giving it solely to God. Christians should be cautious and ensure that their focus is always on giving glory and praise directly to God.
Exodus 34:17
Do not make any idols.
This verse is a simple and straightforward command from God to not create or worship idols. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding the creation of physical representations that could distract from the worship of the one true God.
Pictures of Jesus can be seen as a form of idolatry, as they represent an attempt to create an image of the divine. Christians should heed this commandment and refrain from using such images in their worship and devotion.
Acts 17:29
Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill.
This verse reminds believers that God is not limited to physical representations or images made by human hands. It emphasizes that our understanding of God should not be shaped by material possessions or artistic renderings.
Pictures of Jesus, being man-made images, cannot fully capture the essence and nature of God. Christians should be cautious in ascribing too much importance or reliance on such images, instead focusing on the spiritual connection with God as His children.
1 John 5:21
Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.
This verse serves as a reminder to believers to guard themselves against idols. It encourages them to stay away from anything that could distract them from wholeheartedly worshiping and serving God.
Pictures of Jesus, as potential idols or physical representations, can distract believers from directing their full devotion and worship towards God. Christians should be vigilant and ensure that their focus remains solely on God, guarding themselves against the worship of idols in any form.
Leviticus 26:1
Do not make idols or set up an image or a sacred stone for yourselves, and do not place a carved stone in your land to bow down before it. I am the LORD your God.
This verse prohibits the creation and worship of idols or sacred stones. It emphasizes that God alone is the true object of worship and should not be replaced by any physical representation or symbol.
Pictures of Jesus can be seen as a form of idol or sacred image, potentially diverting attention away from the worship of God alone. Christians should adhere to this command and not rely on such images in their worship and devotion.
Romans 1:23
And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles.
This verse highlights the tendency of humans to worship created things rather than the Creator Himself. It points out the folly of worshiping idols in the form of living beings or creatures.
Pictures of Jesus, representing an attempt to depict Him in a physical form, can be seen as a modern-day manifestation of idol worship. Christians should be cautious and focus their worship on the glorious, ever-living God, rather than relying on physical representations.
Psalm 115:4-8
Their idols are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak, and eyes but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear, and noses but cannot smell. They have hands but cannot feel, and feet but cannot walk, and throats but cannot make a sound. And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them.
This passage clearly depicts the limitations of idols made by human hands. It emphasizes that these idols are lifeless and incapable of any form of perception or action.
Pictures of Jesus, as created representations, share these limitations. Christians should be aware that these images cannot fully capture the living and active nature of God. Trusting in physical images can lead one astray from putting their complete faith in the living God.
Exodus 32:4
He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, “These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.”
This verse describes the creation of a golden calf idol by the Israelites in the absence of Moses. They attributed their deliverance from Egypt to this created image, replacing their worship of the one true God.
Pictures of Jesus, if used as objects of worship or attributing salvation to them, can similarly divert believers from the true source of deliverance and salvation, which is God Himself. Christians should be cautious and ensure their worship is directed towards God alone.
2 Corinthians 5:7
For we live by faith, not by sight.
This verse encourages believers to live a life guided by faith rather than relying on physical evidence or appearances. It emphasizes the importance of trusting in the unseen and spiritual aspects of life.
Pictures of Jesus, being visual representations, can potentially foster a dependence on external appearances rather than a deep, unwavering faith in God. It is through faith that Christians are called to live, rather than relying on physical images.
Isaiah 44:9-20
All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Those who would speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their own shame. Who shapes a god and casts an idol, which can profit nothing? People who do that will be put to shame; such craftsmen are only human beings. Let them all come together and take their stand; they will be brought down to terror and shame. The blacksmith takes a tool and works with it in the coals; he shapes an idol with hammers, he forges it with the might of his arm. He gets hungry and loses his strength; he drinks no water and grows faint. The carpenter measures with a line and makes an outline with a marker; he roughs it out with chisels and marks it with compasses. He shapes it in human form, human form in all its glory, that it may dwell in a shrine. He cut down cedars, or perhaps took a cypress or oak. He let it grow among the trees of the forest, or planted a pine, and the rain made it grow. It is used as fuel for burning; some of it he takes and warms himself, he kindles a fire and bakes bread. But he also fashions a god and worships it; he makes an idol and bows down to it. Half of the wood he burns in the fire; over it he prepares his meal, he roasts his meat and eats his fill. He also warms himself and says, “Ah! I am warm; I see the fire.” From the rest he makes a god, his idol; he bows down to it and worships. He prays to it and says, “Save me! You are my god!” They know nothing, they understand nothing; their eyes are plastered over so they cannot see, and their minds closed so they cannot understand. No one stops to think, no one has the knowledge or understanding to say, “Half of it I used for fuel; I even baked bread over its coals, I roasted meat and I ate. Shall I make a detestable thing from what is left? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?”
This lengthy passage from Isaiah vividly illustrates the absurdity and futility of idol worship. It describes the process by which idols are created, highlighting the irony of humans relying on their own craftsmanship.
Within the context of this passage, pictures of Jesus can be seen as modern-day manifestations of crafted idols. Christians should take heed of the message conveyed and avoid placing their faith and trust in physical representations, recognizing their inherent limitations and the true futility of such idols.
1 Timothy 1:17
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
This verse praises the eternal, immortal, and invisible nature of God. It attributes honor and glory to God alone for all eternity.
Pictures of Jesus, being visible images, cannot fully represent the invisible nature of God. Christians should acknowledge and honor the true, invisible God, directing their worship and adoration solely towards Him.
2 Kings 18:4
He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it. (It was called Nehushtan.)
This verse recounts the actions of King Hezekiah, who destroyed various objects of worship in order to restore the worship of the true God. It includes the breaking of the bronze snake that Moses had made as a symbol of healing.
Pictures of Jesus, as visual representations of a religious figure, can carry similar risks of becoming objects of worship in themselves. Christians should be mindful of the potential idolatry and ensure their focus remains on worshiping the true God.
Jeremiah 10:14-15
Everyone is senseless and without knowledge; every goldsmith is shamed by his idols. The images he makes are a fraud; they have no breath in them. They are worthless, the objects of mockery; when their judgment comes, they will perish.
This passage emphasizes the foolishness and worthlessness of idols and the craftsmen who create them. It points out that these idols lack life and are destined for destruction.
Pictures of Jesus, as man-made representations, share the same inherent limitations and lack the breath of life found in God alone. Christians should not attribute excessive importance or value to such images, recognizing their ultimate worthlessness in comparison to the true and living God.
Habakkuk 2:18-19
Of what value is an idol carved by a craftsman? Or an image that teaches lies? For the one who makes it trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Come to life!’ Or to lifeless stone, ‘Wake up!’ Can it give guidance? It is covered with gold and silver; there is no breath in it.
This passage questions the value and purpose of idols made by craftsmen. It highlights the futility of trusting in created images that lack the ability to speak or provide guidance.
Pictures of Jesus, as human creations, face the same limitations. Christians should be cautious and not rely on such images for spiritual guidance or place undue trust in their ability to accurately represent the divine.
Colossians 1:15
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
This verse speaks of Jesus as the image of the invisible God. It affirms His unique role as the Son of God and the connection between the divine and human realms.
While this verse acknowledges the image of God found in Jesus, it does not imply that physical representations or pictures are necessary or appropriate for worship. Christians should recognize the invisible aspects of God and focus on their relationship with Jesus on a spiritual level, rather than relying on visual depictions.
Matthew 15:9
They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.
This verse captures Jesus’ rebuke of the religious leaders who prioritized human traditions and rules over genuine worship and devotion to God. It highlights the importance of true worship that goes beyond surface-level rituals.
Pictures of Jesus can sometimes become a part of human traditions or practices in worship. Christians should strive to ensure that their worship is not focused on external images or traditions, but on a genuine, heart-felt connection to God.
Acts 19:26
And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all.
This verse refers to the opposition faced by the Apostle Paul in his missionary work. The statement that gods made by human hands are no gods emphasizes the futility and falsehood of worshiping idols that are created by humans.
Pictures of Jesus, as products of human hands and creativity, share the same essential quality of not being God in and of themselves. Christians should be cautious not to place excessive importance or worship on such images, recognizing their inherent limitations.
John 1:18
No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.
This verse acknowledges the inability of humans to directly see God but highlights Jesus as the one who has made the invisible God known. It affirms the unique role of Jesus in revealing the nature of God to humanity.
While Jesus’ role in revealing God is significant, pictures of Jesus should not be seen as a means of visually seeing God. Christians should rely on the inner revelation of the Holy Spirit and the teachings of Jesus, rather than relying solely on physical representations.
Psalm 135:15-18
The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.
This passage speaks of the lifelessness and powerlessness of idols made by human hands. It highlights the inability of these idols to engage in any form of communication, perception, or action.
Pictures of Jesus, as human creations, share these limitations. Christians should be mindful not to put their trust in lifeless images but in the living God who is able to communicate and act in our lives.
Psalm 115:4-7
But their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. They have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats.
This passage reiterates the lifelessness and inability of idols made by human hands to engage in any form of sensory perception or action. It underscores their worthlessness in comparison to the living God.
Pictures of Jesus, being physical representations, are subject to the same limitations. Christians should keep in mind the profound difference between these images and the living, all-knowing God they seek to worship and serve.
Jeremiah 51:17
Everyone is senseless and without knowledge; every goldsmith is shamed by his idols. The images he makes are a fraud; they have no breath in them.
This verse describes the senselessness and ignorance of those who create idols. It highlights the fraudulent nature of these images, noting their inability to possess any form of life.
Pictures of Jesus, as human creations, lack the breath of life and the divine essence found in God alone. Christians should not place their ultimate trust or reliance on such images, recognizing their inherent limitations.
Revelation 9:20
The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk.
This verse speaks of persistent idol worship even in the face of divine judgment and plagues. It emphasizes that these idols, made of various materials, lack the ability to perceive, hear, or move.
Pictures of Jesus can become objects of worship that distract believers from genuine repentance and devotion to God. Christians should strive to turn away from the worship of lifeless images and instead worship God who sees, hears, and actively engages in their lives.