Have you seen the image of “Shrimp Jesus” created by artificial intelligence and going viral on social media? Just search for it online and you’ll see a few different images.
It reveals a real AI challenge. We see images like that and our brain fires, “What is THAT? Is it real? Wait … my friends need to see this. I think I’ll share it.”
Consequently, algorithms begin to understand the novelty and popularity of artificially generated images, so your social media feed begins to fill with more. Soon enough, you’re not sure what’s real and what’s not.
Shrimp Jesus isn’t real. Jesus is.
Jesus isn’t a bunch of crustaceans wearing an oversized crown of thorns not even touching his head, looking like he’s taking a nap standing underwater.
Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, promised since ancient times.
Jesus is the “I am” and nobody designed or produced him. He is eternal and independent and valuable without the need for algorithms.
Jesus did wear a crown of thorns, abusively pushed into his scalp to cause bloody pain and mockery.
Jesus loves using water for spiritual purposes, including all the storms on the Sea of Galilee, his own baptism, and yours too.
Jesus really rose from the dead, with multiple confirmed evidences, including 500 eyewitnesses.
The Bible teaches that he “was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time” (1 Corinthians 15:4-6).
This isn’t the first artificial Jesus to appear on the scene, and won’t be the last. People tend to design their own version of Jesus all the time. Even sincere Christians live with sin in us that gives Jesus a makeover to make him fit our selfish desires.
Praise God for the real Jesus, presented clearly in the Bible, without rivals or copycats. He’s no shrimp. To make sure you’re following the real Jesus, read the Bible references below.
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, I confess that I sometimes try to make you into someone you’re not. An artificial Jesus generated by my own intelligence. Honestly, that limits you to my own capabilities, which makes me my own god. I want to worship and follow the real you, Jesus. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY: Read a few encounters of Jesus’ followers after his resurrection, struggling to grip the fact that Jesus’ resurrection was real. John 20. Luke 24.