Would Jesus ‘Wear A Mask'?

There is a response that many, who oppose mask-wearing, offer as a quick retort to explain why ‘wearing a mask’ is a lack of faith and therefore should be rejected by followers of Christ. Here’s the responses: ‘Would Jesus wear a mask? I can’t imagine that He would. He walked on water! He raised the dead! Why would he wear a mask!?!”

As a pastor, I have to be honest, that is a really great question! Would Jesus have worn a mask?

I guess we will never really know for certain, because this particular scenario did not present itself during the time Jesus lived on earth. However, the question really deserves a thoughtful answer. Is there any guidance based on how Jesus lived that informs us on how to handle this issue today? Let’s examine the Scriptures.

#1 - Jesus honored the medical practitioners of his day!

In Luke 17, Jesus encounters what was perceived at the time to be a highly contagious disease - leprosy. Here’s what it says: “Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. Luke 17:11-14.

Here’s a few observations. In this case, Jesus did not break with the policy of social distancing from lepers. He actually ministered to them and brought healing to them just by giving them a declarative word. In this case, he did not lay hands on anyone. He just spoke the word.

Secondly, Jesus told them to go and see the priest. Priests were not just in charge of religious activities at the time. They were also the CDC of the day. The book of Leviticus instructed them on how to handle things like molds, mildews, and infectious diseases. Actually, there are entire procedures listed within this book that provided for how to cleanse and burn homes and clothing that had been affected.

Jesus did not depend on science to heal the sick. He did it supernaturally (beyond the natural). But Jesus did not diminish the importance of those charged with handling the medical processes necessary for declaring someone free of the infection. He told them to get checked out based on “CDC protocols” - so that everyone would know that they were totally cured in His name.

#2 - Jesus honored the customs of the day!

There are moments when Jesus rebuked the traditions and customs of the Pharisees. For instance, in Matthew 12 we have record of Jesus and his disciples walking through a field and eating grain as they walked. The problem was that this was taking place on the Sabbath,. The Pharisees had hundreds of intrusive rules and regulations about how and when you could do things.

It was a lot like Covid-19 regulations!!!

There were hand-washing routines, and ceremonial cleansing rituals. Some of these things were done to protect from infectious diseases (see Leviticus). Some of these things were done to demonstrate you were approved by the elite of society, who had established all of these arbitrary regulations.

While there were moments when Jesus did not strictly adhere to every detail of every ridiculous religious regulation, He did not live his life in defiance of them all either. For the most part, He followed the expected customs of the day. He washed his hands the way the Pharisees did. He prepared himself with the ceremonial rituals necessary to visit the temple to worship.

Now there were key moments when He defied the rules to make a point. He healed on the Sabbath to reveal that the Pharisees had gotten so attached to the regulations that they had lost their heart for people. He turned over the tables of the money-changers, who sold goods by the temple, because they were cheating the people and dishonoring God.

But Jesus did not stick out as a defiant rebel who would not follow the customs of the day.

#3 - Jesus honored both religious and governmental authority!

In three of the gospels we have the moment recorded where the Pharisees tried to set a trap for Jesus. They asked him if was proper to honor the authority of Caesar by paying taxes. Or should everyone reject the authority of this ungodly king, and withhold those taxes?

It tells us in Matthew 22:18 - ‘Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me?”’ And He asked them to give him a coin. He asked them whose image was on the coin. When they replied, “Caesar”, Jesus then instructed them to give to Caesar what you owe him and to give God what belongs to God.

What would Jesus do if you handed Him a mask and asked Him, “Jesus, what should we do? Should we honor the authority of our governor or should be defy him?” Can you imagine Jesus telling his followers, “The governor is a jerk. Don’t wear a mask?” Somehow, I think the principle of honoring authority would translate. Why? Jesus did not want to lose His influence with anyone over a secondary matter like taxes. He did not come to overthrow Rome’s unjust practices. He came to seek and to save those who were lost.

#4 - Jesus lived his life from a servant-leadership perspective!

Remember these words: “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35). And how about how Jesus stated his own mission, “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:43-45)

Imagine for a moment that you worked in the Governor’s office. How would you demonstrate the greatness of servant-hood as a believer? Wouldn’t you serve him to the best of your ability to help him succeed? If we refused to follow a simple request to wear a mask would we also lose our influence with those we are designed to serve?

#5 - Jesus would not have depended on the masks for his own personal safety - nor would have he failed to heal those infected with Covid-19.

It’s obvious that Jesus did not need a mask to be safe. He was and is the son of God. He created the world. He would not live in fear of an infectious disease. And yes, He would pray for and release healing to those He encountered who had the disease. We should have the same confidence.

We should also expect to walk in health! We should believe for supernatural healing!!

But that fact does not take away the very tactful and wise manner in which Jesus served through the customs and structures of His day. I will leave it up to you to discern whether or not Jesus would wear the mask. But based on His approach to life and leadership, I will be wearing mine.