Looking like Jesus
Researchers at the University of California produced a study showing that people and their dogs often look alike. In the study, a panel of student judges was able to match 16 out of 25 purebred dogs to their owners. The reason for this, researchers say, is because dog owners tend to choose a pet bearing their resemblance in some way.
The study identified similarities between pets and people as physical characteristics or personality traits or both. Happy, outgoing, and affectionate dogs tend to be owned by warm and friendly people. Hairless, pop-eyed, pug-nosed pooches are owned by… well you get the idea.
I wonder if we stood in a group of people from all religious faiths and belief systems, would a panel of judges be able to match us up with Jesus?
In 1900, 75% of all Christians were white people living in Europe, North America and Russia. Now nearly 60% of all Christians live in Africa, Asia and Latin America. As God graciously brings people from those cultures to our cities and college campuses will they be able to match us up with Jesus?
Jesus modeled a godly life for about thirty years, preached to a few thousand people, promised those who believe in him that they will live forever, died for our sins, burst from the tomb three days later, then gave the Holy Spirit to 120 frightened followers to finish His work here on earth. Jesus’ whole plan to change and save the world depended on a ragtag bunch of fisherman, ex-prostitutes and tax collectors. With the help of the Holy Spirit I think they did a pretty amazing job! But how about you and me?
March 15th, 2010 at 8:38 pm
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