If there is one quiet thread woven through the entire Bible, it is this: God does not value people the way we tend to value them. Human beings are irresistibly drawn to the visible—strength, beauty, height, charisma, presence. But Scripture repeatedly shows that the Lord looks straight past the surface into the substance of a person’s heart: The love for him and his dear son.
In research for my new novel, I was again reminded of how rarely the Bible describes anyone’s physical appearance. Across thousands of years and hundreds of characters, only a handful are given any kind facial or bodily description. The New Testament is even more silent—only eight to ten individuals receive the briefest mention of height, clothing, or physical condition. Even Jesus himself, central to all Scripture, is never described physically. The apostles are not described. Mary is not described. Their height, eyes, hair, and features are left deliberately unstated.
Do you think that this silence is intentional? I do. It trains us not to elevate the outward image of anyone but to listen for the deeper story God is writing about our lives into eternity. When Samuel stood before Jesse’s tall, impressive sons, he thought he saw kingly strength. But the Lord corrected him:
“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
(1 Samuel 16:7)
David—overlooked, young, and unimposing—was God’s choice.
Zacchaeus was short. Paul was unimpressive in presence. John the Baptist wore rough clothing. The early church was filled with the poor, the ordinary, the unremarkable. Yet through them, God turned the world upside down. We have no idea what the apostles nor the women who were disciples with them looked like.
The Bible’s restraint in describing physical features reminds us that outward appearance is the least important aspect of a human life. God is not moved by the things that impress us. He is moved by faith, obedience, humility, and devotion. In a world obsessed with status, and presentation, the Scriptures whisper a better truth: God’s gaze goes deeper. He knows what no eye can measure and no mirror can reflect. Your worth does not rise or fall on how the world sees you, but on the God who looks past the outward appearance and treasures the heart that loves Him.
Anthony Barbera Dec 2-2025
5 Comments
Your research has proven so valuable once again. Excellent observations! That was one of Jane’s most amazing characteristics. She cared very little for the physical things that other people look at. She often wore two different- colored socks for example, and wasn’t much concerned, like others are, about her physical appearance. People could instantly see that she was literally “plain Jane,” and that’s part of why so many people would end up opening their hearts to her. They could tell that the way Jane was, she was not going to judge anyone else in any physical way at all.
Jane would speak the raw truth, yes, but she didn’t criticize. Not once in 43 years do I ever remember her criticizing me! Who does that??!! She’d tell me when some old habit of mine came up and she could easily see remnants of generational curses. But her reaction to that kind of character flaw was always to get me or whoever she was talking to, to open up and talk about it, get to the roots.
Jane was amazingly talented at asking the right questions, to get to the bottom of the well so to speak, much like Jesus at the well with the Samaritan woman. It just was never in her character to criticize, only to bring the truth to the surface so it could be dealt with. I asked the Lord if I could be like Elisha and get an equal if not double portion of that anointing. Its such a rare thing, I didn’t want the world to lose that portion of such a needed blessing for His people.
I love that you sent out this important message at the same time I was imploring the Lord to please not let this valuable ministering be left lacking here when we need it in the body of Christ more than ever!
Love this! Thank you! Love you!
This is stellar, Tony! A timely reminder of the need to get over myself, especially as I age. Thank you!
Love this Tony and it speaks to my heart in many ways. It is the love for God and wanting to please him and not looking to mankind for our judgement of ourselves and others . Right on!
Thank you.😀