We often don't think of Jesus in blue jeans but a church in England commissioned a sculpture of Jesus dressed in our common garb of choice: blue jeans. 50 years ago such a depiction of Jesus would be scandalous. Bottom line, jeans worn in church were scandalous, never mind the thought of Jesus wearing them. The emphasis was on Jesus as the Son of God. The over emphasis of his divinity came at the neglect of the impact of His humanity.
But in our western culture, such a depiction of Jesus shows the willingness to see Jesus in our day, wearing jeans like the rest of us. This is a Jesus who accepts what we are; that means jeans and all. I feel its a tribute to the incarnation and the taking on of humanity by the Son of God.
I do hope the image does help onlookers know that Jesus accepts us as we are - no shirt and tie required, no special dress for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We find Jesus present in our everyday lives identifying with us, influencing us, and by His Spirit, indwelling us. Such a connection is clear in the gospel of John as John writes of how Jesus spoke of the Father and He "abiding" with us - being "in" us. Naturally this image of Jesus falls in line with this. May it push you to consider the depth of Jesus acceptance of who we are and the power of His ability to give us a new humanity because He is in our lives.
