We have been told that first impressions are everything, but is that really true!? If you had lived in Jesus’ time, would you have recognized Him as the Messiah based on first impression!?
The Jewish people were looking for a mighty warrior to save them from the oppression of Romans. The King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords came in an unexpected appearance in the form of a baby! When Jesus was born, no one cared or had room for His mother who was about to deliver. The scripture doesn’t tell us that He was able to do anything out of ordinary as a baby! As all other babies, He was completely dependent upon his parents.
The religious leaders along with ordinary Jewish people, did not view Jesus as someone special. He grew up in a village in an ordinary home with ordinary parents. As a matter of fact, He was so ordinary that many times His statements offended others because they thought, “Who does he think he is!?”
His parents knew about Him, because of the angels’ visitations prior to His birth. Also, Anna the prophetess knew she had seen the redeemer when she saw baby Jesus. In addition, the three magi who came and worshiped baby Jesus saw Him as king. Some people came to revelation knowledge of Jesus through the course of time but the majority of people missed the Messiah! Very few people understood Jesus was special.
“Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” John 7:24
The world tells us that first impressions are everything. However, the Lord is not impressed with first impressions! People can be impressive for variety of reasons. They can be beautiful or handsome. They can be well accomplished in their field. They can articulate or express ideas well, or preach and teach dynamically. They can be wealthy and well-dressed. The external packaging can grab our attention. However, the Lord is not after a package!
How much focus do you put on your packaging? How impressed are you by others’ packaging? Do you judge people with righteous judgment?