No, the Bible doesn’t tell us exactly what Jesus looked like while He was on earth. He lived in the Middle East—a part of the world that touches the continents of Africa, Asia and Europe—and He probably was similar in appearance to any other man living in that part of the world. Remember: He came for all humanity.

Over the centuries artists have tried to represent in their works what Jesus might have looked like, but those are only the products of their imagination, and we should take them as such. Never forget: The Bible warns us not to worship anything that claims to represent God or Jesus. One of the Ten Commandments declares, “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above” (Exodus 20:4).

Would we recognize Jesus if He were to come to earth today? Yes, we most certainly would—because the Bible tells us that when He comes again, He will come in glory and majesty and power. The first time He came as a helpless baby—but when He comes again, He will come as ruler over all. The Bible says, “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne” (Matthew 25:31).

The real question, however, is this: Are you ready for His coming? Some day you will stand before Him, either when He comes again or at your death. Don’t gamble with your soul, but put your faith and trust in Christ today.

Are you prepared for when Jesus returns? Make sure.