Dear Gramps,
Was Jesus white? Just wondering what we have in the Mormon Church and historically that shows if He was white on earth and was resurrected, or dark skinned on earth then resurrected white, or what is the church’s position? If the Church doesn’t have one then what does the gospel of Gramps teach?
Jason, from Rancho Cucamunga, California
Dear Jason,
If you check through the first chapter of the gospel of St. Matthew, you will find that Jesus descended from Abraham through his great grandson Judas. Thus Jesus was of the lineage of the Jews, and one would assume, had the skin coloring of that race. Immediately after his resurrection He was recognized by those who knew him in mortality–with the exception of the two disciples whom He met on the road to Emmaus. Now when He appears, He appears in all his glory, and it would be difficult if not impossible to ascribe any skin color to him that would be characteristic of any of the races of mortality. One vivid description of him as a resurrected being is given in the Doctrine and Covenants—
The veil was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our understanding were opened. We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber. His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying: I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father (D&C 110:1-4).
Gramps
