Did Jesus Have Tattoo On His Body?

By Dr jarlat Uche opara

Goodmorning wonderful parishioners. It has become increasingly Important for me to address this long concern of many of you about wearing of tattoo. This over the years has generated a lot of debates among many especially those who desire to wear it but lack the courage to have it inscribed on them and those who have a fierce desdain for it.

Surprisenly these two sets of people have biblical verses to back their claims. This for me makes a dilemma out of it, very intricate line, it would take the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to navigate through such a maze with clarity without contradictions.

I know, some of you listening to me either have tattoo or have close friends that have such marks. Just like I said earlier there are biblical passages that support and disapprove of tattoo. The bible can be used for good and at same time for bad, even the devil copiously quotes it.

I would start by talking about its biblical disapproval using the old testament book of Leviticus chapter 19: 28 “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the Lord”.

Biblical scholars generally agree that this Old Testament command was given to the Israelites to distinguish them from surrounding pagan nations, who used self-mutilation and body markings in mourning rituals or to honor false gods. This was part of the Mosaic Law, which aimed to set Israel apart as God’s holy people. Besides, our body in the book of 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 is described as the “temple of the Holy Spirit” it would seem absurd defacing same body of the Holy Spirit with weird marks and signs. It makes no decency sense.

The book of Revelation 19:16: has been the anchor on which many justify tattoo “On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: King of kings and Lord of lords.

The description in Revelation 19:16 of Christ having the name “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” written on his robe and on his thigh is understood by biblical scholars as symbolic/metaphorical, not a literal tattoo.

The Book of Revelation is a work of apocalyptic literature, which is rich in symbolic and figurative language, not meant to be read as a literal, physical description in every detail. Other non-literal images in the same passage include: Eyes that are like a flame of fire (v. 12)A robe dipped in blood (v. 13)
A sharp sword coming out of his mouth (v. 15) These images symbolically represent Christ’s divine nature, authority, judgment, and the power of God’s word.

The basic Interpretations for the written name is that, the name was written on a banner or sash that draped across his body and rested on his thigh while seated on the horse.

In ancient times, a king or noble might have his title woven into his garments or embroidered on the part of the robe that covered the thigh.The thigh was a symbol of strength and power, and the location where a warrior’s sword would hang. The inscription signifies Christ’s absolute power and authority over all rulers, not a literal skin marking. Basic logic to it is that Jesus, as an obedient Jew who came to fulfill the Mosaic Law, would not have violated the explicit prohibition against putting tattoo marks on one’s body found in Leviticus 19:28.

Therefore, the scripture uses this powerful imagery to declare Christ’s supreme identity and sovereignty as the ultimate ruler over all creation, not to suggest he had a physical tattoo. Let me ask you, of all the images of Jesus displayed, have you found any that has tatoo? Have you seen any Saints that is tatoo?

Having said this I wouldn’t in good conscience condemn anybody that chooses to lacerate their bodies with marks and symbols in the name of tattoo, though I have serious aversion for it.

However as your parish priest, I have no problem with anybody wearing tattoo, obviously displayed , nevertheless, it will be a no go area having such a person function in any capacity in my church.

Hear me very well , from today, nobody who has tattoo visibly displayed on any part of their bodies, whose ears are peirced with a funny rastaferian hairstyle ( Males ) should neither be a member of hospitality ministry, lay reader, catechism class instructor nor choir conductor/ instrumentalist.

We should be intentional on what we allow and the kind of lifestyle that we should give oxygen of validation in our church. You can come to church and worship your God the way you want, I have no problem with that, i wouldn’t prevent you, but allowing any of such persons ( Obviously tattoo bodies, male wearing ear rings/ piercing of nose and wearing of bizarre hair styles) to function publicly in my church is a no- no.

Church should have rules of decency and responsibility guiding the liturgical processes of the church. Church isn’t an event centre, a Club, an amusement park or motor park for touts. There should be lines drawn, visible lines for that matter. The “Genzilization” of everything should have a limit and our sacred liturgy should be that limit. The best way to tatoo, is to tatoo
Christ on our hearts, living a live of purity, love, charity and holiness. Let these virtues be an outward expression of the tatoo of holiness, joy, love, charity, purity etc engraved on our souls.

God’s blessings. I am your priest Fada Blunt

@Fada Blunt