He had no form or majesty

 For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.

Isaiah 53:2 ESV

This verse speaks to the fact, that Jesus the promised Messiah would not come in a form that would draw attention to Himself.

When He appeared, he looked just like everyone else. People weren't attracted to Him because He was majestic in appearance, He didn't look like a King. Many were amazed by the things they heard Jesus say because they knew Him simply as the son of Joseph a carpenter: “And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said, "Is not this Joseph's son?" Luke 4:22 ESV Jesus was born into the world and raised just like any other boy born in that part of the world at that time. Until He began His ministry He didn't really stand out in a crowd.

The Gospels don't tell us that Jesus was particularly good looking. Yet, for the lack of majesty in His appearance He drew people to Himself. There was something about Him that people found irresistible. When He would call people, they would follow Him. It wasn't His appearance that drew people, it was what radiated from Him that caught their attention. He exuded Godliness, He was God in the flesh!

When Matthew writes his gospel, he quotes an angel quoting scripture concerning who Jesus was "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us). Matthew 1:23 ESV The angel was quoting Isaiah 7:14. Jesus birth was prophecy fulfilled. God had come to live among His people.

As we read the bible, both Old and New Testaments we have the privilege of hindsight to see who Jesus was. Those that had seen Him in person didn't really know who He was until He completed His work of salvation.

God came in humility to save us from our sins.

© 2012 Leo J. Woodman