Are You Jesus? A Lesson in Seeing Christ in OtherSometimes the simplest questions lead to the most profound lessons. One such question came from a child who saw a man with long hair and a beard and innocently asked, “Are you Jesus?” This story, shared by J. Thomas Hawes in a BYU devotional, offers a touching reminder of the purity of a child’s faith and the importance of reflecting Christ in our actions. In today’s world, where distractions are many, this story teaches us to live in a way that others, even children, can see the love and compassion of Christ in us.
The Story Behind the Question
J. Thomas Hawes told this memorable story to highlight how easily children perceive goodness in others. During a classroom interaction, a little boy saw a man who happened to have long hair and a beard—features commonly depicted in images of Jesus—and the boy naturally asked, “Are you Jesus?” The simplicity of the question shows how children associate love, kindness, and a gentle demeanor with the figure of Christ. It wasn’t about the man’s physical appearance alone; it was the child’s perception of goodness that prompted the question.
Hawes used this story to call on all of us to live as examples of Christ-like love and service. The man, though not Jesus, evidently carried an aura that made a child feel the presence of something divine. This is a lesson for all of us: our actions, words, and attitudes should reflect the teachings of Jesus, allowing those around us to feel His love through us.
The Impact of a Child’s Perception
Children often see the world through a lens of pure faith and curiosity, and their questions, like “Are you Jesus?”, often carry more weight than we realize. While adults might overcomplicate or intellectualize matters of faith, children tend to approach them with simplicity. This story invites us to return to that childlike perspective—one that recognizes goodness and seeks out Christ in others.
Imagine how different our interactions would be if we approached the world like that little boy. How might we change if we actively sought to see Jesus in the people around us, rather than focusing on their flaws or differences? It’s a call to action: to become more like Christ, so others see Him through us.
Living So Others See Christ
This story offers a reflection point: how do our lives reflect Christ’s example? The child in this story wasn’t just responding to the man’s appearance but also to the overall impression of love and warmth he felt. This underscores the importance of living with integrity, kindness, and humility.
Here are some ways we can embody this principle:
- Serve with Love: Christ was known for His service to others, and it’s through acts of kindness that we most visibly reflect His teachings. Even small acts—like listening, lending a hand, or offering a kind word—can leave a lasting impact on those around us.
- Live Authentically: Being true to our beliefs and values ensures that our actions align with Christ’s teachings. People are more likely to see Christ in us when we live genuinely and consistently with the principles of love, forgiveness, and grace.
- Focus on Compassion: Just as Jesus showed compassion to everyone, especially those who were marginalized, we should strive to extend love and understanding to everyone we meet. In doing so, we become more than just followers of Christ; we become examples of His love.
A Lesson for All Ages
While this story originated in a classroom, its message transcends age. We are all capable of seeing Christ in others and of being the type of person others might associate with His love. J. Thomas Hawes shared this story as a reminder that we all have a responsibility to reflect the attributes of Jesus Christ. Whether we’re aware of it or not, others—especially children—are observing our actions, and they are looking for Christ-like qualities in us.
To further emphasize this point, consider this humorous yet insightful meme that reflects the innocent perception children often have: When You Meet Someone with a Beard. It’s a fun reminder of how we should all strive to live in a way that inspires others to see goodness in us.
The Eternal Impact of Simple Moments
While it’s easy to dismiss a child’s question as cute or humorous, there is a deeper lesson here. Life is full of these seemingly small moments that have the potential to leave a lasting spiritual impact. The child’s question—”Are you Jesus?”—could be a question we all ask ourselves. Are we living in a way that reflects His teachings? Are we carrying His light and love with us in everything we do?
It’s not just about how we look on the outside, but how we behave, speak, and serve others. The small things we do can shape how people perceive Christ, especially in the hearts and minds of children. For more on how children see faith with simple sincerity, check out this uplifting article about the faith of children here.
Conclusion: Striving to Be Like Christ
The story shared by J. Thomas Hawes is a simple but powerful reminder that we should always strive to live in a way that reflects Christ’s teachings. Whether through our interactions with family, friends, or even strangers, we have the ability to influence others, especially the younger generation, by how we live. It’s not just about appearance; it’s about embodying the qualities of love, compassion, and service that Christ taught.
As you go through your daily life, ask yourself: what impression are you leaving on others? Do they see kindness, empathy, and love in your actions? Like the child who innocently asked, “Are you Jesus?” we too can live so that others may feel Christ’s presence through us.
For another dose of inspiration, enjoy this meme clip that reflects on the innocence of children and their pure hearts: Kids See the World Differently.
Let us strive each day to live with more love, compassion, and Christ-like humility, so that in our actions, others may catch a glimpse of Him.