Archaeologists Discover Ancient Statue that May Have Symbolized Jesus
12-28-2015
Archaeologists in Israel say a ram statue discovered in the ancient port city of Caesarea may have meant to depict either Jesus or the Good Shepherd's flock.
"In ancient Christianity Jesus was not portrayed as a person. Instead, symbols were used, one of which was the ram," excavation directors Dr. Peter Gendelman and Mohammad Hater said in a joint statement Sunday.
The marble ram statue was discovered on Christmas Eve.
In Christian art, the ram is often depicted being carried on the shoulders of the "Good Shepherd" Jesus. The ram and the lamb often represent the faithful, or Jesus himself, whose anguish and death atone for original sin, according to Christian belief.
The Bible refers also to Jesus as a lamb. "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world,'" John 1:29 states.
"It may or may not be a coincidence, but the statue was uncovered on Christmas Eve," Gendelman and Hater said.
Israel Antiquities Authority and the Caesarea Development Corporation are conducting the excavation.
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Buy here: Why Israel?
Why Israel? Why not? This little booklet consists of messages previously written in my books, which of themselves contain many various themes. I wanted to devote one book to just Israel and the Jewish people, and so this small booklet was compiled.
As you read the following, consider the truth contained in Scriptures, from Genesis to Revelation, which spell out the commitment of God the Father to choose a people who will be a light to the nations. He chose the Jews, and gave them the Promised Land of Israel.
It does not matter what other national governments try to say, do, or accomplish apart from the plans and purposes of the Lord. They will fail. His Word is true. It is eternal. He is the same, yesterday, today and forever, and thus His commitment in keeping His promises made to the Jewish people will be fulfilled.
I hope you stand with them in these last days.
Steve Martin
Founder
Love For His People
