Jesus writing in the sand

Drawing by Mary Grace Thul

Ever wonder that Jesus never left his disciples and followers and faithful friends anything in writing?  The only time we hear of Jesus writing at all, he is writing in sand. Hardly a way to leave a legacy.

But perhaps that is Jesus way of telling us, his spirit and his message is not static, cannot be held on to by pen and paper, is not something any amount of words can capture and accurately portray for all time.

We know that even the gospel writers give us different images of Jesus. These images are reflective of their own understanding of who Jesus is at the time of their writing. Had they written another account many years later, who knows how they might have portrayed him.

So, if the image of the gospels keep Jesus static, how do we come to know him in truth?

By taking that picture and making it come alive for myself through a living friendship, a growing understanding, a personal relationship. I need to integrate Jesus into my very life through a spiritual vision that goes beyond. As I do that, my image will change, and I will come to know Jesus in stages, just as I learn about anyone else. And in time, my Jesus will cease to be a printed word, and become an authentic person.

Do not be content with the gospel image of Jesus or your will have a stunted spiritual life. Take Jesus out of the pages and bring him into your own heart and soul. Your understanding and perceptions will grow, even as life does.