John 7:24
“Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”
(MY QUOTE)
‘The symbolism of Christ is not in the appearance. To recognize the Christ you need the spiritual eye-sight.’ — Philip Santus
THE MEANING:
This quote explores the idea that understanding Christ transcends physical perception and appearance; it requires a deeper, spiritual insight. Let’s examine it section by section, connecting each part with relevant Bible verses that express similar themes of spiritual recognition, insight, and understanding.
“The symbolism of Christ is not in the appearance.”
This section emphasizes that Christ’s essence is not tied to a physical form but represents something far deeper—qualities like love, sacrifice, truth, and divine connection. The quote suggests that focusing only on Christ’s physical image misses the true nature of His role and message. Christ’s presence and teachings are meant to be understood symbolically, as representations of God’s love and redemptive power rather than physical traits.
Related Bible Verses:
–> 2 Corinthians 5:16-17
“So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” —
Here, Paul emphasizes that Christians should no longer view Christ—or anyone—through merely physical or worldly perspectives. Instead, followers are encouraged to see Christ and themselves as new creations, reborn through faith.
–> Isaiah 53:2
“He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.”
This prophetic verse about Christ highlights that His physical appearance was not the focal point. It was His actions, sacrifice, and spiritual power that mattered, pointing to the idea that true understanding of Christ requires looking beyond physical attributes.
“To recognize the Christ you need the spiritual eye-sight.”
This section points out that a true understanding of Christ and His teachings requires “spiritual eyesight,” or discernment. This spiritual vision goes beyond physical seeing and is about perceiving the divine nature of Christ’s mission, love, and truth. Spiritual eyesight is often described in the Bible as wisdom, faith, or enlightenment granted by God, which allows believers to see truths that are hidden by those relying solely on physical perception.
Related Bible Verses:
–> Matthew 16:15-17
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.”
Here, Peter’s understanding of Christ as the Messiah is acknowledged as a revelation from God, not something that could be recognized through human perception alone. This verse underlines the need for divine insight to truly “see” and understand Christ.
–> Ephesians 1:17-18
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.”
Paul’s prayer for the believers in Ephesus reflects this idea of “spiritual eyesight.” He asks that the “eyes of your heart” be opened, emphasizing the need for inner enlightenment to truly understand God’s promises and Christ’s role.
–> John 7:24
“Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”
Jesus here directly addresses the tendency to rely on appearances, urging His listeners to seek a deeper understanding. This aligns with the idea that spiritual insight, rather than superficial judgment, is necessary to grasp divine truth.
Interpretation and Overall Connection
This quote encourages a shift in focus from physical representation to spiritual essence. The Bible supports this idea by highlighting the need for spiritual understanding and insight when approaching Christ.
The true “sight” required to recognize Christ comes not from human perception but from a spiritual connection with God, which opens the heart to see beyond the surface and understand His true nature and teachings. This kind of vision enables believers to recognize the symbolism and essence of Christ, aligning their perception with God’s wisdom.
