For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.
Isaiah 53:2 (NKJV)
Don't judge a book by its cover. Why?
Because the enduring value of a book isn't determined by its cover but by the quality of its content.
The stories of Shakespeare, Dickens, and Melville live on because of their greatness, not because of their covers. Consequently, wise readers will choose a book based on what they know about the content.
The same principle applies when we look at the life of Jesus. He certainly had a cover, an outward appearance. But it wasn't the kind of cover that would have caught anyone's attention. As a matter of fact, Isaiah prophesied that the outward appearance of Christ would contain no beauty that we should desire Him.
(Isaiah 53:2 NKJV)
Think it through. He was born in a barn to underprivileged parents and with no one but lowly shepherds and animals to welcome Him into the world, a beginning as humble as anyone ever had.
According to His "cover," Jesus was just a social side note. People like Him didn't accomplish or achieve much. In fact, they were barely a blip on the radar screen of life. But the content of His character influenced the world in a way that defies comparison. To this day, His story is the preeminent factor by which spiritual, cultural, and political lines are drawn. All this came in an ordinary cover that most would have passed over.
This gives us an insight into the Lord's heart: He values the content of our lives, not our appearance or social status.
During this Christmas season with its parties and social occasions, may we robe ourselves in humility and think less about our "covers" and more about what we do for Him.
"For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
(1 Samuel 16:7 NKJV)
Discuss with your group whether you get caught up in social appearances during the holiday season. Have you ever known someone who liked to make a grand entrance?
Dig into Luke Chapter 2. What kind of appearance did Jesus make when He came to earth?
Decide to make a point of not judging people based on their appearance, especially at holiday parties and family get-togethers this month.
Take the time to talk to people—and listen to them—so you can truly see their heart.
