Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Empire

It is said that Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Empire , once captured a prince and his family. When they came before him, the monarch asked the prisoner, "What will you give me if I release you?"

"The half of my wealth," was his reply.

"And if I release your children?"

"Everything I possess."

"And if I release your wife?"

"Your Majesty, I will give MYSELF."

Cyrus was so moved by his devotion that he freed them all.

As the prince and his family returned home, the prince said to his wife, "Wasn't Cyrus a handsome man?"

With a look of deep love for her husband, she said to him, "I didn't notice. I could only keep my eyes on you - the one who was willing to give himself for me."*

The Bible provides for us the account of the One who "literally" GAVE HIMSELF for you and for me.

Interestingly however, the Scriptures do NOT contain an exact description of the physical appearance of Jesus Christ...

Perhaps it is a prophecy given some 700 years before His birth that provides the closest thing to a portrait: "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).

Yet, Jesus was the most handsome Man that has ever lived.  Why?

Because when WE were lost in our sins and destined for destruction (Romans 6:23; Matthew 7:13-14), Jesus GAVE HIMSELF for us! 

"For there is ONE God and ONE mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for ALL men – the testimony given in its proper time" 
(1 Timothy 2:5-6).

Jesus paid the price for our sins on the cross so that we may have forgiveness and the hope of eternal life – IF– we accept His offer on His terms.

Jesus will save those who: believe Him and trust Him (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Him before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) in His name for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). His redeeming blood will continue to cleanse those who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7).

Won't YOU "fix your eyes on Jesus" (Hebrews 12:2) and follow Him so that you may be saved?  

You, too, will find that He is handsome indeed!

David A. Sargent

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