"Is the "Poong Jesus Nazareno" the Same as the Jesus of the Bible?" A Pastoral Reflection on Faith, Devotion, and Truth

Every January, the streets of Manila turn into a sea of maroon and yellow. Millions of barefoot devotees flock to Quiapo for the Traslación, eager to catch a glimpse of the Poong Jesus Nazareno (Black Nazarene). We see men and women risking their safety just to touch the rope or wipe their towels on the image. We see tears, we hear desperate prayers, and we witness a kind of devotion that is rare in other parts of the world.

As a pastor, my heart goes out to every Filipino seeking hope. We are a people who love God deeply. But as we approach this feast, we must ask a hard but necessary question, one that concerns the salvation of our souls:

Is the Jesus represented by the Black Nazarene the same Jesus revealed in the Bible?

While the statue bears the name of Christ, a closer look at Scripture reveals three major differences between the Poong of tradition and the Savior of the Gospel.

1. The Jesus of the Bible is Alive, Not Helpless

The image of the Black Nazarene depicts a suffering Christ, bent under the weight of the cross, falling down. It captures a moment of His passion. However, the Bible tells us that Jesus did not remain in that state.

The Gospel is not just about the suffering of Jesus; it is about His victory. He died, but He also rose again. Today, the Jesus of the Bible is not carrying a cross in Quiapo. He is seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven, ruling with power and glory.

"But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God." Hebrews 10:12

We do not need to carry Him; He carries us. We do not need to protect Him from the crowds; He protects us.

2. Miracles Come from God’s Will, Not a "Panata" (Vow)

Many devotees believe that their Panata (vow) or the act of touching the statue is what grants them miracles. This creates a transactional relationship: "If I walk barefoot, God will heal me." "If I wipe my towel on the image, I will be blessed."

But the Jesus of the Bible teaches us about Grace. We do not twist God’s arm with our sacrifices. Miracles happen not because of the statue’s power or our intense effort, but because of God’s sovereign mercy.

Faith in the Bible is not faith in an object; it is faith in a Person. You can pray to Jesus right now in your room, without a statue, and He hears you just as clearly.

"God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth." John 4:24

3. The Mediator is Christ Alone, Not an Image

There is often a blur between veneration and worship. When we bow, kiss, and pin our hopes on a carved image, we are in danger of breaking the commandment against idolatry. The New Covenant reminds us that we no longer need shadows, types, or representations. We have the real thing.

We do not need a wooden medium to reach God. Jesus Christ Himself is the only Mediator.

"For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus." 1 Timothy 2:5

A Call to True Worship

To my fellow Filipinos, I admire your passion. But I pray that this passion is directed toward the Living Christ.

The wooden statue in Quiapo cannot save you. It cannot forgive your sins. It cannot walk with you through the valley of the shadow of death. Only the Risen Jesus of the Bible can do that.

This January, instead of looking at a dark wood carving, look to the Light of the World. You don't need to fight through a crowd to touch Him. You only need to humble your heart, repent, and trust in His finished work on the cross.

God is faithful, and He is closer to you than any statue ever could be.
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Ronald Obidos Apologetics