Head of Christ, Rembrandt, c. 1648
It is assumed that this picture was painted using a Jewish model, maybe in an attempt to create an image of what the human Jesus might actually have looked like.
Of course, beyond the general characteristics of those living in the middle east at the time, we cannot know what Jesus looked like.
For me, this picture does capture something of Jesus’ humanity; his youth, his gentleness, and an openness to hear what people have to say, as his head is slightly inclined, as if listening intently.
What does this image say to you about Jesus?
Jesus Son of God,
Friend and brother,
One with us, fully human,
Be with me this day I pray.
Amen.
Forty 100 word reflections for forty days of Lent (Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday, excluding Sundays), using the forty images in the Face to Face with Jesus pack, available to purchase from St Clare’s Shop. Written by Rev Charlotte Gale.
