When a picture has been “photo shopped” that means it has been manipulated. Some sort of program has been used to change the image.

Are there times when we are tempted to photo shop Jesus? 

I’m not referring to physical pictures. I’m referring to the parts of Jesus we like, and the parts we would rather crop out. 

American President Thomas Jefferson did just that. He didn’t believe in miracles. So he physically cut them out of his Bible (including the resurrection)! All he had left was Jesus’ moral teachings which had been taped together.

We may not use photo apps or scissors, but we can be tempted to skip over (i.e. mentally exclude) the teachings which don’t support what we already think.

I realize that some passages are hard to understand. It’s tempting to skim over what confuses us. So there are times when it takes prayer, study, and even a bit of wrestling, to more fully understand Scripture.

Deep down, however, there may be teachings we are consciously avoiding because we would rather just think and do what we want instead of what God wants—which is a way of saying that we know best.

I published a blog and podcast called “10 Popular Things Jesus Said.” If you like, you can link to it below. Before too long, I’ll publish a follow-up: “10 Un-Popular Things Jesus Said.”

Whether you check them out or not, the point is this: As you read through your Bible, pay attention to what you instinctually embrace and what you instinctually avoid. This may teach you something about yourself. It could show you your own biases; it could show you where you need to grow; or it could show you what you need to research to increase your understanding.

Perhaps looking more comprehensively at Christ’s teachings is our next best step in comprehensive Christlikeness.

In Mark 13:31 Jesus says: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Think about that for a moment. Jesus’ words will outlive the current order of things and survive into the new heavens and the new earth. If Jesus’ words will outlive castles, countries, continents and even this version of creation, then surely being in harmony with them will serve us well into eternity! 

When you read your Bible, pay attention. Not only are you reading it, but it is reading you.

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Notes and extra content:

–New: “10 Popular Things Jesus Said.” Click here, or tune in to ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ wherever you subscribe.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.