While I was growing up, my images of Jesus were as a Christmas babe, Jewish boy, fisherman, and Savior of the world. All wonderful and valid images. But I cannot recall one story or painting of Jesus being portrayed as Wisdom. However, theologians point out that the root of this image of Christ began with Solomon, who personified Wisdom as a prophet, creator, teacher, and host — roles that Jesus played as well.
Recall that Jesus was a teacher from Nazareth who enamored listeners with his parables. He prophesied in ways that got him in trouble, such as declaring he would rebuild the temple in short order (Mark 15:48). As to his creator role, Jesus, like Wisdom, was at God’s right hand “through whom all things came and through whom we live” (I Corinthians 8:6). Yet the co-author of the cosmos humbled himself to the point of dying for our sake after hosting a supper to symbolize his servant-like death.
And what becomes of those of us who place our trust in him? His Spirit dwells within us to transform us by his Wisdom, as Paul stated in today’s passage. Yet how often do we tap into that all-encompassing Wisdom? Maybe we should think of Jesus as Wisdom more often. Then we would more readily listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance inside us.
Dear God, thank you for sending us your Holy Spirit to direct us toward right, holy, and redeemed ways of living. Your Spirit gives us wisdom to live in your strength! May we acknowledge your Wisdom, listen to his voice, and move to his prompting. Amen.
Go Deeper — If you were assigned to paint or draw Jesus as Wisdom asking the Father to send the Holy Spirit to dwell in believers (John 14:26), what images would you use?
Read Further — How do we recognize the voice of God? The article Is that You, God? explores this question.
Photo Credit: Jason Earle