The Face of Fun

When you picture Jesus, what expression comes to mind? Is His brow furrowed, eyes stern, always carrying the weight of the world? Or can you imagine His face breaking into a smile, laughter spilling from His lips, joy radiating in His presence?

Jesus’ very first miracle wasn’t done in a synagogue, during fasting, or at a funeral. It was at a wedding feast — a weeklong celebration filled with dancing, laughter, and joy. When the wine ran out, He didn’t rebuke the hosts for poor planning. He turned water into wine, extending the party. That’s our Savior — present at the table, lifting glasses, celebrating with friends.

And think of the men who tore open a roof just to lower their crippled friend down to Jesus’ feet. What bold, almost reckless joy! Can you imagine the laughter in that room? Dust falling, people shocked — and Jesus, seeing both their faith and their friendship, responding not with irritation but with delight. He healed the man and honored their audacious act of love.

Our relationship with fun often gets tangled with guilt. We tell ourselves life must be serious to be sacred, or that meaning is found only in weighty moments. But in Jesus, work and play coexist. The holy and the human meet around dinner tables, at weddings, in friendships, and in laughter that lightens the load.

The face of Jesus is not hardened by duty. It is softened by delight. His joy is not an accessory to life — it’s the essence of life with Him.

John 15:11 — “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

Proverbs 17:22 — “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

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When you imagine Jesus’ face toward you, is it heavy with sternness or alive with joy? What would shift in your heart if you saw Him smiling at you?