# Jesus — Poetry character guide > Jesus in Poetry by Henry van Dyke Jr.. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Christ, the Christ, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Thee, Thou **First appearance:** 0032-to-the-child-jesus ## Snapshot The Master of many lives, invoked as the one in whom all flocks unite, whose humble mind and forgiving heart the poet begs to be drawn into. ## Who they are Across hymns and doctrinal poems, Jesus appears as the crown of manhood and the ground of unity, the one who makes the homely earth holy ground. The speaker's desire is not doctrinal victory but nearness: to kneel wherever men adore him and to have discord ended in his heart. His presence turns the collection's public themes of church and creed into a private plea for humility and love. ## In the story ### [Peace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/peace) Implied as the divine presence to whom the speaker submits, saying 'His will be done.' ### [A Babe Among the Stars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/a-babe-among-the-stars) Referenced as the glory of God's birth and incarnate love. ### [To the Child Jesus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/to-the-child-jesus) Appears as the Child Jesus in the nativity and as a wayfaring pilgrim in the Flight into Egypt. ### [The Bargain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/the-bargain) Implied recipient of the heart's offering, the Pearl of greatest price. ### [The Master's Voice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/the-master-s-voice) Referred to as the Master, who invites the distressed to find refuge and promises peace and reunion. ### [The Builders](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/the-builders) Referenced as the 'Only King' and the Holy Ghost, the divine presence in the temple of the human soul. ### [The Toiling of Felix](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/the-toiling-of-felix) Appears to Felix in a vision, affirming that He dwells with those who labor and serve. ### [Another Chance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/another-chance) Referenced as the one the speaker vows to serve and follow more faithfully. ### [Music](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/music) Referenced indirectly through the 'Pentecostal speech' and 'cloven tongues of fire' in section VIII, alluding to the Holy Spirit. ### [Ode to Peace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/ode-to-peace) Implied as the divine presence to whom the speaker surrenders, saying 'His will be done.' ### [God of the Open Air](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/god-of-the-open-air) Presented as the One who walked in pastures green, by quiet waters, and gave his soul to God under the open sky; the speaker declares 'Him will I trust, and for my Master take.' ### [A Mother's Birthday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/a-mother-s-birthday) Addressed as Lord Jesus, who is asked to hear the birthday prayer and grant protection and peace to the mother. ### [The Monument of Francis Makemie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/the-monument-of-francis-makemie) Referenced as the source of grace and power preached by Makemie. ### [Sicily, December, 1908](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/sicily-december-1908) Beheld as the Son of God walking amid the desolate cities, embodying human love. ### [Hymn of Labor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/hymn-of-labor) Addressed as the divine companion and carpenter of Nazareth who joins workers and teaches the goodness of toil. ### [The Great Cities](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/the-great-cities) God responds to the narrator's question, affirming that He made man and placed the city in his heart. ### [The Friendly Trees](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/the-friendly-trees) Referenced as the Lord who sets up trees as green tents and is loving to birds. ### [The Broken Sword](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/the-broken-sword) Addressed as 'O God' and 'my King', the one to whom the sword is surrendered. ### [The Unseen Altar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/the-unseen-altar) Referred to as the Holy One of God who has blessed the unseen altar forever. ### [The Tribe of the Helpers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/the-tribe-of-the-helpers) Referred to as 'the Christ,' the companions of the helpers. ### [The Good Teacher](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/the-good-teacher) Referred to as 'the Lord' who is the teacher and guide. ### [The Camp-Fires of My Friend](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/the-camp-fires-of-my-friend) Implied as the Lord who makes a new covenant of hospitality, promising to come as a stranger and guest. ### [Hymn of Joy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/hymn-of-joy) Referred to as 'Christ our Brother' in the hymn, emphasizing the familial bond between the divine and humanity. ### [The Grand Canyon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/the-grand-canyon) Implied as the divine Creator invoked when the narrator cries out to God and recognizes His handiwork in the canyon's beauty. ### [Texas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/texas) Referenced indirectly through faith in God who creates souls by knowledge, love, and worship. ### [Three Prayers for Sleep and Waking](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/three-prayers-for-sleep-and-waking) Implied as the divine listener and source of peace, rest, and guidance throughout the prayers. ### [The Bells of Malines](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/the-bells-of-malines) Referenced in the bell names 'Jesu' and 'Maria', part of the sacred music played. ### [The Red Cross](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/the-red-cross) Implied through the 'Love Divine' that bends to bear the load of suffering. ### [Easter Road](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/easter-road) Referenced as the 'faithful Captain of Salvation' who descends into Hades and rises triumphant. ### [Golden Stars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/golden-stars) He who died for all on Calvary welcomes the fallen soldiers into eternal peace. ### [Voyagers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/voyagers) Implied as the divine Maker and faithful guide who keeps watch over the voyagers' journey. ### [The Burning Bush](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/the-burning-bush) Implied as the eternal God whose works reveal self-ordered power and whose living flame is sought. ### [Children in the Market-Place](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/children-in-the-market-place) Addressed as the teller of the eternal tale and the source of teachings on love, faith, and courage. ### [Jesus Return](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/jesus-return) Addressed as the returning Lord, Friend of Man, and Prince of Peace who is implored to come in silent ways. ### [One in Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/one-in-christ) Central figure of unity; the one in whom all believers are united. ### [Foundations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/foundations) Declared as King forevermore, the eternal foundation amidst worldly turmoil. ### [Victoria](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/victoria) Quoted from St. John 16:33, assuring victory over the world. ### [Spirit of the Everlasting Boy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/spirit-of-the-everlasting-boy) Implied as the God whom the school serves, the God who heard the fathers' prayer. ### [Who Follow the Flag](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/who-follow-the-flag) Referenced indirectly through the image of children bearing a cross to drag, contrasting with the holy cross. ### [Christ Our Comrade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/christ-our-comrade) Addressed as 'O Comrade of the Human Heart,' 'Son of Love Divine,' 'heavenly Brother, earthly Guide, Redeemer, Friend and Lord,' and 'Jesus Christ of Nazareth.' ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/characters/jesus_christ - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_10_se/characters