Those old stories of scripture — of Abraham, of Sarah, of Isaac, of Rebekah, of Joseph, of Moses, of Joshua, of Deborah, of David, of Daniel, of Esther, of Mary, of Paul, of Peter . . . — have shaped our lives. They’ve given us wisdom, perspective, and courage. They’ve guided us by times of failure and times of great trust.
So who — besides Jesus — has most captured your imagination through the years? In other words, who’s your favorite Bible character? And (if you have time) why?
Of course I’ll go straight to the obvious. Paul - in many ways he is everything that I am not. He is a scholar, he is strong with His words, he is commited (with his life) for whatever cause he is fighting. He is fearless to a degree that I find hard to believe. Yet, he also is transparent enough to remind us that he is not perfect and has struggles in his walk with God. Paul challenges me to not take the most traveled path, but to take the trail that may have more potholes and hairpin turns. I thank God for scripture and the models it gives us.
Judas was the character that always held the most fascination for me, even if he wasn’t exactly a role-model. All the events that happened from the day of his calling to his kiss and his suicide are some of the strangest in Scripture, IMHO. Betraying your Rabbi would be so huge; unthinkable. Unforgivable? Maybe, maybe not. Regardless, I love the treatment he recieves in “The Last Temptation of Christ.” Though a fictional and probably slightly heretical account of the life of Christ, Judas is portrayed as having good intentions for doing what he did. But that is what the road to hell is paved with, right? Right?!?
I would love to read (write?) a novel written from his perspective. Maybe not my *favorite* character in the Bible, but he certainly captures my imagination.
I love Daniel’s faithfulness, and the fact that to show God’s power and might, he still had to be thrown in with lions. Lately, though, I’ve really related with Thomas. Not the “doubting Thomas” that we all have come to be familiar with, — I think today we might call him a “realist” or that he’s “grounded”. Thomas was also very passionate. I love his response to Lazarus’ death, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” That’s a friend.
David: I’ve always loved to read stories about David. What a life.
There are only a couple of verses about her, but I like Jael also. You can find her story in Judges and she was pretty heroic.
I’ve loved the story of Joseph since I was a kid. Even now when I read through it, I’m breathless waiting to see what will happen. I love his rise from prison to power, how he messed with his brothers’ heads with the cup and the grain and all that, and how, when they finally bring Benjamin, Joseph is so overcome that he has to leave the room. I love that he had the perfect chance for revenge and he showed love instead.
Joseph is also my favorite man of faith. For the reasons of what Deana just said. His example is so inspiring of what we can overcome through faith in God and just doing the right thing at the right time.
…but I think I’ll just keep my dreams to myself.
Mary is my favorite.She must have been a wonderful woman to be the one chosen to mother the Lord. She was a praising prophetess, faithful follower, committed “christian”, and marvelous mother. May we all handle adversity as wonderfully as she.
I love Paul. I love how he was so passionate about living FOR Christ after previously being so passionate about killing those who followed Christ. To me, it models how no matter how “bad” someone is, Christ is always ready to forgive and let the person start over.
Though I don’t vividly recall childhood Bible stories about her - I’ll go with Esther. A smart, faithful woman who had nothing much going for her - other than the will and sovereignty of God. “For such a time as this” is a passage I repeat often.
As someone who always seems to blurt things out and act a little rashly, I have a soft spot in my heart for Peter. It really is comforting for me to see that Jesus had a place for people like that in his ministry, too.
But from a sheer “What an awesome dude” angle, I have to go with ol’ left-handed Ehud.
The blind man in John 9, because he boiled Christianity down to one sentence:
“I was blind, but now I see.”
Anna. She waited and waited…..
and God rewarded her with a brief, wonderful, physical glimpse of the Savior Child.
The apostle John is my favorite. I relate to his personality more than any one else, I suppose. He starts out as one of the sons of thunder and I like to think of him as sort of a hot head…..maybe a little arrogant…..then as the years go by, he morhs into the apostle who says, “little children, love each other”. That, IMHO, is how each of us can be transformed as the word of God “dwells in us richly”.
Gideon. The guy who has no confidence or faith in his own abilities and needs God to confirm that He’s really there. Hmmm, I can kinda relate to that from time to time.
Stephen.
Anyone that bold and confident with god’s spirit…while facing death…he’s A-OK with me.
We don’t know a ton about him, but Enoch is just absolutely fascinates me. “Enoch walked with God and then he was no more, for God took him”. That is the ultimate model of how to live…even though we have zero details.
Plus, he was the father of 969 year old Methuselah!
Daniel, without a doubt. Two reasons: his personal faithfulness, and the wealth of prophecy he left for us.
I’m stuck somewhere between/among Joseph, Moses and Luke (does a writer count?).
Esther is my fav old test. story. I love the relationship between Mordecia and Esther. I believe it is a model for teaching the importance of intergenerational spiritual relationships in life.
Esther respected Mordecia, Mordecia loved Esther enough to challenge her lack of faith, Esther responded to the challenge and Mordecia responded to Esthers need.
I also love the story of Mephibosheth. We are all Mephibosheth’s. We have no right to sit at the Kings table but the King has extended his grace to us even with our flaws.
It’s hard to choose one, but I’ve always been drawn to the life of Joseph. so much to say. He was faithful, full of integrity, awfully patient. All the things I struggle to be. I, like Deanna, also like the way he ‘plays’ with his brothers’ heads. I would love to know more about his humanness. Did he ever doubt when in prison? Did he mourn for his father when separated so long? Did he ever doubt the sovereignty of God in his life? Did he ever scream out at God at the injustices he suffered? When in Egypt ruling, did he long for the life he once had with his family? Overall, an incredible story of faith and providence. It makes me both love God and fearful of Him simultaneously.
Andrew — He found his brother and brought him to Christ.
David is my favorite “character” in the Bible. His “soft” side is often portrayed which misrepresents who is his. Many say that they can identify with David. Personally, I have a difficult time identifying with a man who cuts off another man’s head, leads men into battle, and can order women to do what he wants. Blood, semen, sweat and spirituality flow from the pages of David’s biography. The sanitized version is what most people think of when the life of David is taught. This characterization castrates the grace of God.
I really like Barnabas. He taught us that we can part ways without parting fellowship. He never gave up on John Mark even when Paul and many others did. I would follow him anywhere.
I’ve also enjoyed reading the NT through the lens of the conflict between James and Paul. Both had very different visions for what the church would become. I would have loved to have seen the expression on James’ face when Paul arrives in Jerusalem with a gift from the Gentile Christians. It must have been quite humbling for James to realize that these “unclean” brothers were in fact an equal partof his spiritual family.
Nehemiah- living a vision, building a wall, bringing people together: All For the Glory of God!!!
Many of my favorites have been thrown out already — David (for his passion), John (for his spiritual maturity over the years), and Joseph (for his faith and “underdog” status).
Another would be Moses, for three lessons we can learn from him:
1. If you want God to reveal Himself to you, what’s the harm in asking?
2. That God can do great things with insecure people
3. That our actions, even those of good intention, can have negative consequences (i.e. not entering the Promised Land).
I think Mike throws out these snowballs every once in awhile for good book/preaching material. This post alone should yield a couple dozen sermons!
mine is Gideon too, especially this (paraphasing) —
“You have TOO MANY PEOPLE.”
“How can that be?”
“Because if you succeed, you will convince yourself that it is by your own power.”
Maybe the Lord will do great things through our little church…
I can’t help but have great affection for people like the woman at the well, the good thief on the cross, Cornelius, the demoniac, and others who were so smitten with Jesus that they were willing to change right then and there.
How about the woman with the issue of blood? Her faith healed her and Jesus blessed her with peace and set her free from suffering. That faith and the fact that she fell at his feet and trembled makes her my hero for today.
I like the “nobody’s” who encountered Christ and were struck by his power and holiness and wanted to know how they could be better people.
Pretty much what Steve, Sr. said. What a smart fellow…
David seems to be a favorite for many of us. For me, he’s a favorite because I can read of so many moral and spiritual flaws he had. I can read of his struggles with sin. Yet I can also read of his faithfulness.
I want so badly to be a great man of faith, but these annoying sins keep getting in the way. How refreshing it is to know that one of the all-time greats could identify with my plight.
David for me, but for different reasons. Though I love the narrative through Samuel, I am engaged in David’s story when I read it in his own words - Psalms! We get a glimpse of his guilt pain (Ps. 32), his repentance (Ps. 51), and his praise! No other person in the Bible do we have this much autobiographical material. To me it very helpful.
It’s between Moses and Esther. I read a book about Esther not long ago and all she did being a woman in those times was pretty dramatic. But stammering Moses telling God he just couldn’t do what God asked, and God being patient and prodding him along like a loving parent makes me cry and I see myself. It really all was in the relationship.
Ruth - a foreigner who willingly followed Naomi even though times were difficult. God provided her a husband who could love and understand her because he was the son of Rahab, another foreigner who found God. I am always touched by God’s love for outsiders and by outsiders’ total devotion to God once they find Him.
The David of Psalm 51.
I would have to say Micaiah in 1 Kings 22.
He was a smart-aleck, condescending, and patronizing. But even with those flaws, he refused to back down and stand against what God said.
Hosea–what better picture of grace can be found in the Hebrew Scriptures?
Besides Paul, I would have to say Enoch.
Enoch teaches us that intemacy with God is what it is all about.
Enoch’s faith and personal relationship with God should be desired by us all.
Enoch a man who walk with God and was no more because God took him with him.
Enoch a man who did not die but really lived.
What a man.
David for the beauty of the Psalms, but more recently Peter, for his journey through faith. Michael Card has a great study about Peter called ‘A Fragile Stone’. It’s amazing what the power of the Holy Spirit did in Peter’s life.
Man, Tiffany stole mine:
Ehud, the left handed dude. As a left-handed kid growing up, it was very cool to learn that God might one day use me to strike down evildoers…
Today: It’s The People of Nineveh - regardless of how their city was indeed overturned in the end - they bipassed their king and repented as soon as they heard a once sentence prophecy from the Lord. That’s pretty much unheard of in regards to a nation in Scripture.
Jonathan’s loyalty to David, in spite of the dangers to himself, has always intrigued me. Solomon’s great potential and his failure to live up to that potential has always inspired me to seek out God’s expectations for me, and not anyone else’s. And Mordecai, for telling Esther that her life may be “for just such a time as this.”
Jacob. He’s flawed. He wrestles with God instead of letting go. God uses him in spite of his failures. I already felt this way but reading Buechner’s “Son of Laughter” sealed it.
My wife likes Jael - which kind of scares me a bit. Of course, I haven’t found any tent pegs on her night stand by our bed. So now, I can breathe easier at night.
Since Hosea has already been mentioned, I’ll plug Simeon. I love Luke’s account of him EAGERLY awaiting the messiah at the temple. I like seeing the Old Testament bridging more naturally with the New Testament. Somehow, I think we have lost that carry over in our heritage.
I have an affinity for Martha. In addition to feeling like she often gets short shifted in our bible lessons, it is so neat to me that she had a close enough relationship with Jesus to feel comfortable telling him that her sister was irritating her. He was her friend. That’s just cool.
Jabez, anyone?
I like King Jehoshaphat…especially the story in 2 Chron. 20. As a leader of a nation, he set the ultimate example of responding to an obstacle….he bowed down before God and had resolved to inquire of Him…and the people followed. God ultimately defeated those that were threatening them; but the people worshipped God as He did. I like that Jehoshaphat was that kind of a leader and that the people respected him and trusted him enough to follow his example.
I like Barnabas also. Son of Encouragement. What a great testimony for us. He encouraged everyone he came in contact with.
Elijah. Like all the others, his actions were often contradictions.
John the Evangelist.
For Zach (comment no. 2 above): Are you familiar with the U2 song “Until the End of the World”? Talks about Judas’ relationship with Jesus — from Judas’ perspective. Very well done and one of my favorite (top 3) U2 songs.
David and Paul - these two were so intoxicated with God - their love, devotion to and for God sets the bar very high for me.
David was lyrical in his writings, Paul was in-your-face - both write with an unmodified-on your face in front of God amazement, awe and love.
Oh, to be so ONE with God as these two were!
BTW-Mike, I see the ABC news this evening will have a piece on treatment of Blackberry users for addiction. Hummmmm!
The story of Hosea and Gomer. Oh wait, did that cute guy up above mention it already? Hmmmm… wonder if he’s taken . . .
Jonathon - love the intensity of authentic friendship!
Probably David (a story of street level faith) and Barnabas (who encouraged people and made such an incredible difference).
To add to Zach’s comments made during the wee hours this morning, I love the contrast of Judas and Peter. Both called by Jesus. Both met with the power of the Enemy who knew their weaknesses. But it is so interesting how they handled their guilt. Judas, by self-destruction. Peter, by re-committing to the LORD and delivering that powerful and spirit-filled sermon on the Day of Pentecost. Such a reminder of God’s amazing grace!
In Uganda, I asked this question of my Ugandan women friends, and they said Bathsheba was their favorite character. At first, I thought they must be confused - how can an adultress be their favorite?(THE adultress “responsible” for the downfall of great King David) But, I think they identified with her because she was a woman who had so little control over her own life - defined and described by the men around her. I think they also felt close to her because she lost a baby- something they go through (statistically 1 in 5 babies born in Uganda will not live to see their 5th birthday). Bathsheba has been judged throughout history - mistrusted and painted as a seductress (just take a look at the art). Anyway, after that discussion with Ugandan women, I have thought a lot about Bathsheba and decided that she is one of my favorite characters too. If the story were written more from her perspective, I have wondered what she might teach us, and I wonder what her prayers were like. I love it how her name is mentioned in Matthew’s geneology, just another reminder that Jesus was a part of imperfect humanity and from God himself.
(Sara, you might appreciate Francine Rivers’ book about Bathsheba. I cannot remember the title but it is part of her Lineage of Grace series, which tells the stories of the female ancestresses of Jesus.)
One of MY favorite characters is an apostle most people have never heard of.
Simon the Zealot.
For all intents and purposes, he was a terrorist. The Zealots advocated violent overthrow of the Roman government.
I often wonder what drew him to Jesus and if he channelled his passion for the overthrow of the Romans into his work for the Gospel.
Ruth’s dedication to her mother-in-law and her obedience led her to be the great-grandmother of David. I’ve often wondered if he knew her.
Rhoda–she got so excited she forgot to open the gate when Peter was knocking (Sometimes I forget to open the gate, too)
I’m reading Tommy Tenney’s book about Esther. We could all take a lesson from her in our preparations for our meeting with THE King–she prepared for a whole year to meet the king of Persia. How much preparation do we make to meet the KING of KINGS? It’s a great book and very thought provoking.
Before I get to my selection (not yet named above), I have to echo those who named Enoch, because I was inspired by him and my great-great-grandfather, Harvey Stanley, who lived from 1819 to 1897, to start the Christian group blog last fall, Grace Notes, where we commend all who act as grace notes in our daily lives.
My favorite Bible character has long been, due to my own circumstances in life for many (24) years, Abigail, in 1 Samuel 25, who was married to the “churlish” Nabal, and who helped David and his men when they were hiding out from Saul and when Nabal would have mistreated them.
God showed favor on Abigail and turned Nabal’s heart “to stone,” after which he died. David took her as his wife because she was so good and kind to him and God greatly blessed her in her goodness.
God greatly blessed me, as well, and brought into my life the man who has forever changed my life for the good in all ways.
So, for Abigail’s example, I am forever grateful. God DOES look down on his servants with favor and I have been blessed as well as Abigail was and delivered into an infinitely better life.
Hannah holds a special place in my heart. I want her humility.
I’ve always loved reading about women in the Bible, especially Esther (I guess it runs in the family) and Ruth.
What I really wanted to say, was thank you for everything you said at candlelight. It was amazing. You helped make a really special experience even better.
Oh yes . . . my answer?
My whole life I’ve been captured by the one F. F. Bruce called “the apostle of the heart set free.”
I’d love to have been there on the road when he met the one he was persecuting, or when he spoke to the Athenians, or when he built tents and shared Jesus in Ephesus, or when he met with the Ephesian elders at Miletus, or when he spoke to Felix, or when he shared Jesus in Rome.
I would also have to say Paul, but because he considered himself the worst of sinners (I Tim. 1:12-17). What makes Paul great is his gift of humbly accepting the grace of Jesus. And he is a self-proclaimed example of God’s mercy on those who believe. Paul is the one who taught me I can’t do great things, but God can do great things through me.
Peter
Peter reminds me of myself. When not walking in the Spirit on purpose, I am impulsive, speak when I ought to listen, and I fear have even betrayed my Lord.
Thankfully, when walking with God I am a different man. I am thrilled that God uses who he chooses, in spite of the self-reliant tendencies that want to rule.
I’m with Fajita here, my favorite has been Hannah for many years now…. that prayer - WOW!!! Talk about naked before God!
What? No nominations for Mahershalahashbaz? (Second son of Isaiah) And what about good old Huz and Buz?
I say Barnabas as well. He was one who saw in people what others did not. As Joel said above, he stuck with John Mark and when Paul arrived in Jeruselm, once the hunter, now the hunted and dispised, it was Barnabas who believed in him and brought him to the leaders.
Many say where would we be without Paul, but the real question is what whould have Paul become if Barnabas had not believed in him?
The lady who says, “Okay. But don’t the dogs at least get a few crumbs?” That’s me.
“I wanna be like Daniel in the lions den,
Waiting for God’s love to save him.”
And Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
My favorite Bible character is the one I can most identify with– the father of the demon-possessed boy in Mark 9. When the man asks Jesus to help “If you can,” Jesus tells him, “Everything is possible for him who believes.” The man then tells Jesus, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” That statement is a very short summary of my faith, where occasionally I have doubts and seek proof, and sometimes that proof is not found. Read Lee Strobel’s chapter on Lynn Anderson in The Case for Faith for more on persons of faith having doubts.
“Favorite” may not be the best word, but the character I definitely relate the most to right now is Jonah. A man called by God to speak, yet he ran in the opposite direction. After time in the belly of the fish, he was given a second chance. I hope to experience that second chance as well. Hopefully, I won’t stew under a vine after the second chance.
Gideon. God’s words to Gideon “Go in the strength you have” should be a battlecry for all disciples of Christ. As much as I love Mel Gibson’s speech in Braveheart, these words are so much more powerful.
the woman at the well in John 4
Felicia was very close with Jehoshaphat in 1 Chronicles 20, because his prayer demonstrates this was one king who had read the law. On the other hand, my favorite comes from the same chapter. When Jehoshaphat finshis his prayer, the people are silent, waiting. Deuteronomy 20 suggests that at such a time, the high priest was to assure the people that God would give them the victory. In 1 Chronicles 20, the priest does not. However, a Levite, a temple servant, named Jehaziel, steps forward and says exactly what the priest was supposed to say. For initiative, courage, and doing what had to be done at exactly the right time - even though it was not his job - Jehaziel, greatest unsung hero of the Bible. Caleb is a close second, standing up for God when 600,000 men wanted to stone him.
Thomas. I identify with his reluctance to believe. And the fact that Jesus met him where he was gives me hope. Thomas had to touch the Lord to believe that He was truly resurrected…none of the other apostles needed that…but Thomas did, and Jesus accommodated him. Awesome.
Mary’s already been mentioned, but I have to say a few things about her. I think that the mother of Christ gets a bad wrap in most Protestant circles because all we ever hear about is how she wasn’t sinless, wasn’t a perpetual virgin, wasn’t assumed into heaven, etc. But by focusing on the false doctrines about Mary, we miss the beautiful story that the gospels paint about her. I can’t imagine being a 16 year-old girl (or however old she was) and hearing from God that I was about to be pregnant. Mary had everything to lose from this deal. She lived in a society that was not known for its kindness towards wayward women and their illegitimate children. She must have expected that her wedding with Joseph would be lost. After all, she was about to be carrying somebody else’s baby. Plus the normal fears that every woman has about pregnancy and raising children. I mean, how do you take on the responsibility of raising up the Son of God?? Yet in the face of all of this, Mary simply says, “I’m your servant Lord; do whatever you think is best.”
What an amazing faith!!
this men and women in the Bible showed great faith in God and the grace of God was so evident in their lives.
what do you have about Rhoda in the Book of Acts? The servant girl who heard Peter’s voice.
jonny464
Google is the best search engine
My fave Bible character has to be Jacob, one of my heart-throbs. I imagine him to be cuter than any schoolboy, therefore it bugs me that so many picture Bibles portray him looking more like my brother’s old Latin master, with a thick beard! But I cherish my Precious Moments Bible, in which Jacob, and even Esau, look adorable. In my mind, Jacob has a childlike face, with big dark innocent eyes, and floppy boyish brown hair.
Alot of my faves have already been said.
I love CALEB just like Rachel he is one of my heart-throbs.
His commitment to Christ and going into battle.
Two come to mind…
1. Jacob (Isaac’s son), because he lost his heart, as I have done so often…
2. The author of “Ecclesiastes”, whether his name be Solomon, Qoheleth, or Whoever… Now there’s a guy who thought it all out…