Since I was a little girl I always assumed that I knew what Jesus looked like because of all the pictures I had seen. I will never forget the day I wanted more specifics and I prayed for Him to show me what He looks like now, and the next thing I knew I was reading a description of Him in the first chapter of Revelation.
I had read that description of Him hundreds of times, yet, for some reason what stuck with me instead were the pretty pictures of the handsome dark-haired Jesus. The only “for sure” description we have is in the Bible, and between the Old and New Testaments, He is described with white hair and “eyes like fire.”
This bled over into who I thought His character was as well. Although I read my Bible, I held onto my own version of Him rather than what was actually on the pages - and quite clearly I might add. That day I began praying to know Who He really is. All I want to know is Who He really is.
My desire to know Him was overwhelming enough that I became brave enough to lay down all the things I had been taught to see and all the things *I thought I knew.* Revelation after revelation came flooding to my heart as I would read like I was digging for treasure. This was the most important thing He ever taught me to do in learning to know Him…. Every once in a while I still get a brand new, unmarked Bible and each day I still pray for Him to teach me.
I have Learned so much over the years that is different from what I was convinced that I knew for sure was true. The biggest thing I learned was just like His Word says - it’s when you think you know, that you really know nothing. (1 Cor 8:2)
It’s amazing how openly receiving your heart becomes when, in humility, the truth is all that matters to you.
That is the “love of the truth” that 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 is speaking of, that keeps us safe from deception.
Our journey as a Christian a lot of the time, is letting go of our assumption about who God is and letting it fall away as He replaces it with Who He actually says He is in His own Word. He is not like us. His character is written out in His Word - His Word is His heart written down for us to know Him. If we base our knowledge of Him on the way we think or feel, or on what a human in a pulpit has told us - I guarantee that we do not know Him at all. Unless we abide in His Word daily, prayerfully studying the Love of our life, the world around us will color our perspective of what true love is. This is a strong warning that has been on my heart for years.
God has said; “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,”
declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” in Isaiah 55:8-9. This is why we must press on to know Him. So “let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to know him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.” (Hosea 6:3)
“His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.” Revelation 1:14-16
“His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.” Revelation 19:12-13
“I watched till thrones were put in place, And the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, And the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, Its wheels a burning fire;” Daniel 7:9
“His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.” Revelation 1:14-16
“His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.” Revelation 19:12-13
“I watched till thrones were put in place, And the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, And the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, Its wheels a burning fire;” Daniel 7:9
Reflecting on my own experience, I realize how often we accept familiar images without questioning them, especially when it comes to spiritual figures like Jesus. Growing up, I, too, was influenced by the many culturally-dominant portrayals showing Jesus with dark hair and gentle features. It wasn’t until I intentionally sought a deeper connection through prayer and scripture that my perspective began to shift. Studying passages like Revelation 1:14-16 and Daniel 7:9 brought vivid imagery that contrasted sharply with the paintings and statues I had seen. The description of His hair as white like wool and eyes like flames struck me profoundly—symbols that convey purity, wisdom, and divine power rather than mere physical appearance. This taught me that knowing Jesus personally requires moving past preconceived notions to embrace what God reveals through His Word. This journey also highlighted the importance of humility in faith. As noted in 1 Corinthians 8:2, thinking we know everything can blind us to deeper truths. By admitting how little I understood, a fresh openness emerged, allowing new revelations to penetrate my heart. Daily devotion involving fresh readings of unmarked Bibles and heartfelt prayers became essential tools in this ongoing discovery. Furthermore, these biblical images challenge us to reconsider how worldly influences shape our understanding of divine love and character. Relying on human interpretations or traditions risks distortion. Instead, abiding in scripture continuously, as instructed in Isaiah 55:8-9 and Hosea 6:3, helps align our perceptions with God’s higher ways and thoughts. Embracing the described fierceness and majesty of Jesus’ eyes like fire and His voice as many waters deepened my appreciation of His holiness and justice alongside His love. This balance is crucial for a mature faith that guards against deception, as 2 Thessalonians 2 warns. In summary, seeking Jesus beyond images led me to a richer, more accurate relationship with Him, grounded in scripture’s vivid revelations rather than cultural assumptions. I encourage others to embark on this personal quest with prayer and an open heart, allowing the Word of God to reshape their understanding and draw them closer to the true Jesus.
