There's a new holiday trend, and it’s holy, hilarious, and seriously profitable. We are talking about “Jesus models,” where lookalikes having long hair, beards, and robes are raking in up to $200 an hour. These folks are getting paid big time to pose for holiday cards and religious-themed photos. If you’ve got the vibe, you could be next to cash in on this sacred side hustle.
You know how the holidays can get extra on Instagram with all those over-the-top family photos and festive card ideas, right? Well, for families and photographers looking to add a little Jesus energy to their Christmas greetings, the answer is simple: hire a Jesus lookalike. Jesus models are in demand, from posing for family portraits to religious-themed events.
The Wall Street Journal reported that these models can make as much as $200 an hour just by rocking a robe.
Modern-day messiahs
It all started with a simple observation. Bob Sagers, a 25-year-old cheesemonger with a head of blonde, shoulder-length hair and a beard so on-point it could’ve been plucked straight from a Renaissance painting, was approached by a man whose wife was an artist. As per WSJ, the man asked:
"Has anyone ever told you that you have a Jesus look to you?"
Sagers wasn’t sure if it was a pickup line, but it turned into a full-on career. Now, this 6-foot-5 man spends his days doing what can only be described as “walking in the sandals of Jesus”—and the paycheck is heavenly. Sagers, trying to wrap his head around the idea of embodying Christ for a photo shoot, says:
“I didn’t really get that a lot.”
“I make for a pretty tall Jesus.”
But it’s not just about the physical look—these models have to bring their A-game in terms of spirituality, too. Jai Knighton, another Jesus model, says it’s essential to be “the most Christlike person you can be” during the shoot. You’ve gotta feel the role.
Being a Jesus model isn’t all about the money; it’s also about the vibe and the experiences these models get. Imagine walking into a photo shoot, dressed in full Jesus garb, and having someone genuinely approach you, convinced that they’ve just met the real deal. One model, Terry Holker, had a woman come up to him mid-shoot, and in a moment of divine confusion, she thought he was actually Jesus.
And for those looking to make their Christmas cards a little more personal, this trend is perfect. MaKayla Avalos, a photographer from Ogden, Utah, hired a friend’s brother to pose as Jesus for pictures with her children. She told WSJ:
Trending
“Most Christians have Christian artwork in their home but this is a way to make it more personal.”
So, what's driving this holy hustle? Photographers are on the lookout for models who can authentically capture that spiritual warmth while still keeping it cute for the ‘Gram. And families are looking for ways to blend their religious beliefs with a bit of personal flair in their holiday greetings.
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