Daily Bread April 17

We Would See Jesus
Grace Andrews of Independence, MO, USA


For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. -Isaiah 53:2

There once was a lonely, miserable man who asked himself, “Why am I so unhappy?” A voice came saying, “Because you do not see or hear. What if you knew one of your neighbors was actually the Messiah?” He thought, “That’s ridiculous! My neighbors could not possibly be the Messiah. They are lazy, prideful, constantly occupied with their cell phones…”

Nevertheless, he began watching them and saw acts of kindness and care among them. They looked so happy. He wondered if that was the key, so he looked for ways he might help others. His eyes took on a new light; the bounce returned to his step; he moved with purpose. When asked about his changed attitude, he simply said, “All I know is things changed when I started seeing Jesus in my neighbors.”

This man almost missed Jesus because he didn’t know what Jesus looked like. The people in Jesus’ day missed him because they thought they knew exactly what he should look like. Artists portray him as tall, striking with a great physique, wearing a beautiful white robe-fresh from the cleaners-with a drop-dead gorgeous smile. According to Isaiah 53, that is likely far from the truth.

Jesus was a Jew. He blended in with the people-dark olive skin; short, curly, black hair; a prominent nose. He likely stood about 5’1″ (1.55 meters), weighing about 120 pounds (54.4 kg). Jesus had ordinary looks, dirty hands, and sweat-stained shirts. He was neighbor, carpenter, friend. On a morning after a night in the hills, he did not show up in a nearby village clean shaven, teeth brushed, nice cologne, neatly dressed in a black suit, white shirt, and tie. He probably wore a simple hand-woven robe made by his mother. People were attracted to Jesus because of His message, His mission. They were encouraged when He spoke of peace and love and joy and hope.

Where do we find this Jesus? He might be our next-door neighbor.

Prayer Phrase

“Every breath is a resurrection” (Gregory Orr).

Spiritual Practice

Breath of Life

Take a few moments right now to breathe. Simply observe each inhale and exhale. Pay attention to how it feels in your body. Notice the rise and fall of your chest. Notice how you breathe even when you aren’t thinking about it, how your body instinctively knows how to keep you alive without your thought or effort. In this moment, you are alive. Receive this awareness as an expression of divine grace. In joy or despair, loss or celebration, your body continues breathing. How is your breath a resurrection this day?

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

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