JOHN PEARELL: Don’t make Jesus in your own image

Key Takeaways:

• Jesus’s core statement links knowledge of Him to knowledge of God the Father.
• The article warns against creating personal versions of Jesus.
• John Pearell highlights the Scriptural dialogue with religious leaders as a vital lesson.
• The piece was published by Henryherald on January 25, 2026.
• Its message encourages readers to examine and clarify their beliefs.

The Setting

Jesus is having a discussion with the religious leaders of His day when He makes a stirring statement: “Since you don’t know who I am, you don’t know who my Father (God) is. If you knew me, you would also know…” By calling attention to their misunderstanding, He directly connects recognizing His identity to truly knowing God.

The Discussion

John Pearell’s reflection, originally published in Henryherald, calls on readers to heed this Biblical conversation. For many, there is a tendency to craft a preferred version of Jesus—one that aligns neatly with personal views. Pearell’s piece delivers a caution: when we reshape Jesus for our own comfort, we risk losing sight of who He actually is.

Why It Matters

The dialogue in the Scripture shows that the religious leaders, though well-versed in faith traditions, still struggled to recognize Jesus. Pearell’s commentary asserts that this struggle remains relevant today. In a world of diverse opinions and quick assumptions, his commentary pushes us to examine whether we are worshipping a Christ of our own making or the Jesus who actually spoke these words.

Reflections on Identity

This approach to theology goes beyond mere historical analysis. It invites a re-examination of why Jesus made such a direct connection between Himself and God. By acknowledging that misunderstanding Jesus leads to misunderstanding God, readers are encouraged to deepen their theological perspective rather than settling for a superficial image.

Closing Thoughts

In challenging us not to mold Jesus into a convenient figure, John Pearell’s message transcends the first-century debates and resonates with modern audiences. It serves as a reminder that faith, at its core, is about seeking sincerity and truth. Through Pearell’s reflection, the call remains clear: recognize who Jesus is on His own terms, rather than confining Him to the boundaries of personal preference.