How Important Is A Beard?

So Hanun seized David’s ambassadors and shaved off half of each man’s beard, cut off their robes at the buttocks, and sent them back to David in shame. When David heard what had happened, he sent messengers to tell the men, “Stay at Jericho until your beards grow out, and then come back.” For they felt deep shame because of their appearance. [2 Samuel 10.4-5] 

What's the big deal about a beard?

As I understand it, modern society (the Church included) is ill-equipped to answer this question. In truth, the fact that I ask the question proves I too am ill-equipped to answer it. However, because it is recorded in the Bible, we should try to understand why it is important.

So, what does the Bible say about a man's beard?

“Do not trim off the hair on your temples or trim your beards. [Leviticus 19.27]

At this point, it is most common for religion to dismiss this topic pointing out that Leviticus 19 is "Old Testament" and that "New Testament" believers are not bound to it. Following this widely-accepted logic however, we might find ourselves conflicted regarding the whole of Leviticus 19 and forced to classify it as a "gray area" as it relates to the "Good News of Jesus Christ."

While New Testament adherents are quick to praise Jesus that they don't have to abide by Leviticus 19.27 (men not cutting their beards), they find themselves in contradiction adamantly declaring that people must not steal, deceive, or cheat (Leviticus 19.11). So, who makes the decision which Leviticus 19 commandments to obey and which not to obey? Should we not be settled on this issue?

To be Biblically accurate, Jesus never suggested breaking God's Commandments. Yes, in practice, He broke the 4th Commandment (Sabbath), but only as much as He, the Sabbath Rest of God, could Himself break Himself (Jesus is the Sabbath - Colossians 2-16-17). Jesus indeed stayed true to His Father's Commandments and demanded the same from His followers.

Someone came to Jesus with this question: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” “Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.” [Matthew 19.16-17]

But, as only the "Living Sabbath" could do, Jesus then revealed how that impossible demand could be met:

“Which ones?” the man asked. And Jesus replied: “‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?” Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” [Matthew 19.18-21] 

"Following Jesus" had already been introduced at another time and place:

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds. [Matthew 16.24-27]

Mankind was never relieved of the responsibility of keeping God's Commandments (including the Sabbath). All the Commandments may be kept however "in Jesus Christ." Only a person "in Christ" then may enjoy the status of "keeping the Commandments" - but only as they are "in Christ."

So it is, that "in Christ" all God's Commandments are fulfilled. As we are "in Christ" we fulfill all God's Commandments. We should not however be deceived: "in Christ" looks a certain way:

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. [John 14.12]

And, that is precisely why Jesus said, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me." 

What else tells us what Jesus "looked like"? All the Old Testament:

“If I were to testify on my own behalf, my testimony would not be valid. But someone else is also testifying about me, and I assure you that everything he says about me is true. In fact, you sent investigators to listen to John the Baptist, and his testimony about me was true. Of course, I have no need of human witnesses, but I say these things so you might be saved. John was like a burning and shining lamp, and you were excited for a while about his message. But I have a greater witness than John—my teachings and my miracles. The Father gave me these works to accomplish, and they prove that he sent me. And the Father who sent me has testified about me himself. You have never heard his voice or seen him face to face, and you do not have his message in your hearts, because you do not believe me—the one he sent to you. “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! [John 5.31-39]

The uncomfortable truth of the matter is this: the sloppy grace Gospel being promoted today (where "Christians" are just worldly people who go to church) is not Biblically accurate. Worse, it is making people who are ignorant of God's Word as a whole to be disciples of hell.

So, just how important is a beard?

Father, the more I learn from Your Word, the more I understand the importance of Jesus' demand that I give up my own way, take up my cross, and follow Him. There simply is no other way to You. May this truth ring true to every person who will see and hear it. So be it.