See Yourself in the Face of Christ

“Tell me, good Brutus, can you see your face?”

In Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, this question from Cassius to Brutus probes more than appearances. It asks how Brutus sees and knows himself. Cassius cunningly offers to be Brutus’s mirror, reflecting back an image of ambition and grandeur to manipulate him. Shakespeare’s scene raises an essential question for us all: Who or what do we look to in order to see ourselves?

A World of Distorted Mirrors

We often rely on the reflections of others to form our self-image. Do people think I’m likable, intelligent, or successful? Am I good enough in their eyes? When we live seeking validation from others, we find ourselves staring into a carnival of mirrors some flattering, others distorting.

One person’s opinion inflates our ego; another’s critique shrinks our worth. And just as quickly as a favorable reflection appears, it can vanish with the next encounter. Chasing approval creates a shifting, unstable sense of identity, one dependent on the ever-changing opinions of others.

This is where Jesus stands apart.

Jesus: Free from the Fear of Man

The Gospels tell us of one who walked among us free from the fear of man. Even his enemies recognized this about Jesus. In Matthew 22:16, the Pharisees flattered him, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances.”

Although their words were meant to manipulate, they spoke an unintentional truth about Christ. Jesus lived free from the need for human approval. He did not compromise, curry favor, or alter his message to fit the opinions of the crowds, the religious elite, or even his closest friends.

This freedom enabled Jesus to speak hard truths with clarity and love. He confronted Pharisees with their hypocrisy, challenged the rich young ruler on his attachments, and gently exposed the Samaritan woman’s sinful past to offer her living water. Jesus was impartial in his truth-telling, fearless before both enemies and friends.

Freedom in the Fear of God

What freed Jesus to live this way? It was his perfect relationship with the Father. Jesus did not look to human faces for validation or identity. Instead, he sought only the glory and approval of God.

As Christians, we are called to the same freedom. Instead of looking to others to define us, we are invited to fix our gaze on the face of Christ. Through him, we see who we truly are: beloved children of God, redeemed and made new.

When we center our identity on Christ, the fear of man loses its grip. Proverbs 29:25 warns, “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” Trusting in God’s unchanging love and approval frees us from the constant anxiety of trying to please others.

The Courage of a Clear Reflection

One powerful example of this freedom is found in the story of Hugh Latimer, a 16th-century English bishop. Latimer once preached a bold sermon before King Henry VIII, denouncing the king’s sins of lust and infidelity. Unsurprisingly, the king was furious and ordered Latimer to apologize publicly the following Sunday.

When the day came, Latimer began his sermon by addressing himself:

“Hugh Latimer, thou art this day to preach before the high and mighty prince Henry, King of Great Britain and France. If thou sayest one single word that displeases his Majesty, he will take thy head off; therefore, mind what thou art at.”

But then he added:

“Hugh Latimer, thou art this day to preach before the Lord God Almighty, who is able to cast both body and soul into hell, and so tell the king the truth outright.”

Latimer feared God more than the king. With his identity rooted in Christ, he refused to water down the truth, even at great personal risk. His courage flowed from the clear reflection of himself in the face of God, not the shifting opinions of men.

Finding Your True Reflection

So, tell me, good reader, can you see your face?

To see yourself clearly, you must stop searching for your reflection in others. Their opinions are fleeting, and their mirrors are distorted. Instead, turn your eyes to Christ. In his face, you will find the truth about who you are: deeply loved, fully known, and eternally secure.

Looking to Christ also frees you to love others authentically. When you no longer depend on people’s approval, you can speak truthfully and act boldly, just as Jesus did. You can engage with both friends and foes without fear, seeking their good rather than their applause.

Look to the King

The world’s mirrors may beckon, but they cannot define you. Only the face of Christ can show you who you truly are.

If he approves, let all the world condemn. Fix your eyes on him, listen to his voice, and live in the freedom he gives.

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