It’s in the Eyes
“Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” –John 20:29
That gaze—calm, but penetrating.
The face—brave, yet compassionate.
The feeling—peaceful.
The story behind this painting is deeply powerful to me. One of the most difficult aspects of faith—the very definition of it—is believing in Jesus without seeing Him in all His glory. I often feel like Thomas, longing to see it all with my own eyes. No doubt. Just the joy of seeing Him fully revealed.
I have this painting in my home, placed where I see it every day. And as I pass by, I often catch myself lingering—looking on with quiet endearment, imagining the most loving counsel offered without a single word spoken. I love it so much. I love Him so much.
The name of the painting is The Prince of Peace, and the artist is Akiane Kramarik—an eight-year-old who, through vivid spiritual experiences and visions, created the work over the course of several months.
During that same period of time, Colton Burpo, a four-year-old, had a near-death experience and reported visiting heaven while he was in surgery. He struggled to articulate how Jesus appeared to him, unable to find words that fully captured what he had seen. But when Colton was shown Akiane’s painting, he immediately recognized Him. Both children independently described the same face—the same Jesus you see here.
Friend, How do you see Jesus? How do you picture Him as he looks at you?
I pray that this face reminds you of the Savior who adores you. Because when you believe that you are known and adored, you can trust. And when you can trust, you can surrender. And when you surrender…You are free.
Eyes that speak volumes without saying a world.
A face that proclaims “peace” amid the chaos.
A promise that echoes through His words–“Do Not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)
Reflection: How do you imagine Jesus looking at you—and what does that reveal about how you relate to Him?