Our Model, Jesus

Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” – Matthew 18:20 (NRSV) 

If you’re a handsome White bearded cis male with hair cascading to your shoulders, look good in sandals, and live in Utah, you will not lack work. People will hire you to come to their homes and pose with the family for Christmas photos, graduation photos, and wedding announcements.  

It seems there’s a growing market in Utah for Jesus models. Some men are charging up to $200 per hour to be “there among them” when two or three are gathered.  

According to the Morning Brew, their high hourly rate is owing to the small labor pool. Since many men in Utah are Mormons and they mostly shave and have short hair, they don’t look a lot like Jesus. Hence the lucrative side-hustle for “strapping fellas with long hair and beards who haven’t aged into the Mall Santa market yet.” 

I confess I kinda love the idea of Jesus in the family photo (third to the left, with the piercing eyes). But are you going to break it to them, or shall I? 

You don’t need a pricey professional for the job.  

You could recruit a convict, a next-door neighbor, a refugee, a high school track coach, someone with a combover, beer belly, wrinkles and a cane. Heck, families could save a bundle just by looking harder at each other. 

Some days, when his likeness in me is clearer than others; on days when the Jesus role I’ve been rehearsing for years is almost convincing; on those days, when by grace he shines, they could even call me.  

And I’d bet good money that someone who really needs a Jesus could also call you. 

Prayer
Jesus, may we model you convincingly. We may never make a living being you, but we’ll surely make a life.

About the Author
Mary Luti is a long time seminary educator and pastor, author of Teresa of Avila’s Way and numerous articles, and founding member of The Daughters of Abraham, a national network of interfaith women’s book groups.