Jesus’s Role in Various Spiritual Practices: A Bridge Between Humanity and the Divine

The Universal Presence of Jesus in Spiritual Life

Jesus of Nazareth, revered as the Son of God in Christianity and acknowledged in various roles across world religions, remains one of the most spiritually significant figures in human history. His life, teachings, death, and resurrection have not only shaped the heart of Christian belief but have also inspired spiritual reflection, devotion, and imitation far beyond Christianity’s traditional boundaries.

Within Christianity, Jesus is both the object of worship and the model for the inner spiritual journey. He is understood not merely as a historical figure but as the living Christ—God incarnate, actively present in the lives of believers. For Christian practitioners, to meditate on Jesus is to be drawn into intimacy with God. Yet even in non-Christian traditions, Jesus is admired, contemplated, and integrated in ways that reflect His profound moral and spiritual stature.

This article explores how Jesus is understood and engaged across a range of spiritual practices, both within Christianity and beyond, illustrating the diverse ways He serves as a path to the Divine.

Jesus in Christian Meditation and Contemplative Practices

1. Lectio Divina

Rooted in the Benedictine tradition, Lectio Divina (“divine reading”) is a slow, prayerful reading of Scripture meant to facilitate communion with God. When focused on Gospel passages, it draws the practitioner into direct encounter with the person of Jesus—His words, actions, and presence[^1]. Through four stages—lectio (reading), meditatio (meditation), oratio (prayer), and contemplatio (contemplation)—the soul moves from study to love.

2. Centering Prayer

Centering Prayer, developed by Fr. Thomas Keating and others in the 20th century, is a method of silent prayer that opens the heart to God’s presence. Practitioners often use a sacred word as an anchor—many choose words or phrases related to Jesus, such as “Jesus,” “Lord,” or “Abba”[^2]. While not visual or discursive, Centering Prayer places the practitioner in the presence of Christ beyond words or concepts.

3. Visualization Meditation on the Life of Jesus

Christian visualization meditation invites the believer to engage the imagination to “see” Gospel scenes unfold. One might visualize Christ calming the storm, healing the sick, or rising from the tomb. This practice enables a personal encounter with Jesus, deepening both love and understanding[^3].

4. The Ignatian Spiritual Exercises

St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises are a structured series of meditations designed to help the retreatant reorder their life toward God. A central element involves imaginative contemplation, where one mentally enters into Gospel scenes, walking alongside Jesus as a disciple, speaking with Him, listening, and experiencing His humanity and divinity[^4]. This intimacy allows the practitioner to “know Him more clearly, love Him more dearly, and follow Him more nearly.”

5. Personal and Communal Prayer

Jesus remains central in both personal and liturgical prayer across all Christian traditions. Christians often pray in Jesus’ name, recognizing His unique role as mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). The Lord’s Prayer, taught directly by Jesus, serves as a universal model of petition, surrender, and praise (Matthew 6:9–13).

In many denominations, Jesus is invoked as Lord and Savior, not only remembered but also present in the prayerful moment. Whether through spontaneous prayer, the Liturgy of the Hours, or charismatic praise, Jesus is approached as the Living Word of God and the intercessor before the Father[^5].

6. The Rosary

A core devotional practice in Roman Catholicism, the Rosary invites meditation on key events (Mysteries) from the lives of Jesus and Mary. While Marian in form, the Rosary is profoundly Christocentric in content. Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous Mysteries reflect on events such as the Nativity, Crucifixion, and Resurrection, drawing the soul deeper into Christ’s salvific work[^6].

Jesus in Non-Christian Spiritual Traditions

Jesus’s impact transcends Christianity. Various non-Christian faiths also recognize His moral authority, spiritual insight, and in some cases, divine character. Though He is interpreted differently, Jesus remains a bridge between traditions.

Islam

In Islam, Jesus (Isa) is regarded as one of the greatest prophets, born of the Virgin Mary and destined to return at the end of time[^7]. While Muslims do not view Him as divine or the Son of God, they affirm His miraculous birth, His healing powers, and His spiritual purity. The Qur’an speaks of Jesus with reverence, acknowledging His role in God’s unfolding revelation.

Baha’i Faith

The Baha’i Faith honors Jesus as a Manifestation of God, one in a line of divine teachers including Moses, Buddha, Muhammad, and Baha’u’llah[^8]. His message of love and unity is seen as a necessary chapter in humanity’s spiritual evolution. Though not worshiped in the same way as in Christianity, Jesus is revered as a bearer of divine truth.

Hinduism

In Hindu spiritual circles, Jesus is sometimes viewed as a holy guru, avatar, or enlightened master. Paramahansa Yogananda, founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship, wrote extensively on Jesus as a divine teacher whose inner communion with God reflects samadhi, or union with the Divine[^9]. Some Hindus incorporate Jesus’ name or teachings into their devotional practice, meditating on His qualities of compassion, humility, and sacrificial love.

Buddhism

While Jesus is not a central figure in Buddhist doctrine, His teachings on love, detachment, and forgiveness resonate deeply. Some Buddhist practitioners consider Jesus an example of the bodhisattva ideal—a being who renounces personal liberation to serve others[^10]. Interfaith dialogue has fostered respect between Buddhists and Christians, and in some contemplative circles, Jesus is appreciated as a symbol of awakened compassion.

Conclusion: The Everlasting Presence of Christ

Jesus continues to shape the spiritual landscape of humanity—not only as the Savior within Christian faith, but as a teacher, prophet, and enlightened soul in other spiritual paths. In Christian contemplation, He is the gateway to God. In global spirituality, He is a voice of peace, love, and radical transformation. Whether through prayer, meditation, sacred scripture, or interfaith reverence, Jesus draws hearts toward the Divine.

His enduring presence across cultures and disciplines testifies to His unique spiritual magnetism—He is not merely remembered; He is encountered.

Footnotes

[^1]: The Rule of St. Benedict, ed. Timothy Fry, OSB (Liturgical Press, 1981).
[^2]: Thomas Keating, Open Mind, Open Heart (Bloomsbury, 2006).
[^3]: Martin Laird, Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation (Oxford University Press, 2006).
[^4]: St. Ignatius of Loyola, Spiritual Exercises, trans. Louis J. Puhl (Loyola Press, 1951).
[^5]: Catechism of the Catholic Church, §§2665–2669.
[^6]: Pope John Paul II, Rosarium Virginis Mariae (2002).
[^7]: Qur’an, Surah Maryam (19:16–36).
[^8]: Baha’u’llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i Publishing Trust, 1976).
[^9]: Paramahansa Yogananda, The Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ Within You (Self-Realization Fellowship, 2004).
[^10]: Thich Nhat Hanh, Living Buddha, Living Christ (Riverhead Books, 1995).