The Dangers of a false white Jesus
Highlight: Is Jesus White?
“…so that you do not become corrupt and make for yourselves an idol, an image of any shape, whether formed like a man or a woman…” - Deuteronomy 4:16
Is Jesus White?
According to Scripture, the Bible does not give us a detailed description of Jesus’ physical appearance. What we do know is that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, located in the region of modern-day Palestine. Historically, Jews of that time were a mixed Semitic people who likely resembled the populations of present-day Palestine and Israel. Based on geography and history, it is extremely unlikely that Jesus looked like the white European figure often portrayed in Western art, films, and children’s books.
Why Doesn’t the Bible Mention Jesus’ Skin Color?
The absence of a physical description of Jesus in Scripture is intentional. God repeatedly instructs His people not to create images for worship:
“You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath…” - Exodus 20:4
“…so that you do not become corrupt and make for yourselves an idol, an image of any shape, whether formed like a man or a woman…” - Deuteronomy 4:16
No portraits of Jesus created during His lifetime exist. God, in His wisdom, allowed this so that people would not focus on external features like skin color, but instead on who Jesus is and what He came to do.
God knows humanity’s tendency to divide and judge based on appearances. That is why Scripture directs our attention away from outward features:
“Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” - John 7:24
“People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” - 1 Samuel 16:7
Why Did Europeans Create Images of a White Jesus?
Throughout history, Europeans portrayed Jesus in their own likeness. While the earliest reasons are not fully known, some depictions may have arisen from the human desire to visualize the divine, despite biblical commands against making images for worship.
During the colonial era, however, European images of a white Jesus were used to reinforce racial hierarchy and justify oppression. This portrayal influenced many people, including Black communities, leading some to question their worth or to turn away from Christianity entirely.
Africans have also produced artistic images of Jesus, such as the ancient Garima Gospels (330–650 AD), which depict a brown-skinned Christ. While these images were not used to oppress others, they remain human interpretations and should not be treated as accurate representations of Jesus’ true appearance.
The Danger of False Images
Any idol, whether a European Jesus, an African Jesus, or any imagined figure, can mislead believers and distort God’s character. A false image can cause some to feel excluded, unloved, or inferior.
The good news is this: we know these images are not Jesus.
And Scripture assures us that God does not show favoritism:
“For God does not show partiality.” - Romans 2:11
God’s love is not tied to skin color, ethnicity, or any outward appearance. Jesus came for all people, and His identity transcends race. What matters most is not what He looked like, but who He is, the Son of God, the Savior of the world.
