Among the sea-fishes many stories are told about the dolphin, indicative of his gentle and kindly nature…. It appears to be the fleetest of all animals, marine and terrestrial, and it can leap over the masts of large vessels. –Aristotle

If you have read my “About Me” page, you know I love dolphins. My fascination with these animals most likely began when I watched the show “Flipper” as a young child. 

Years later, as a Christian, I immediately drew connections between some of the admirable traits of dolphins and those of my newly discovered Savior. Sound a little fishy? Maybe. But as it turns out, I am not alone.

Early Christian art depicts dolphins wrapped around an anchor, symbolizing Jesus on the cross. Since Christians living near the ocean knew dolphins often guided sailors to safety, they easily identified them with their Savior. 

Personally, I find several similarities between dolphins and Jesus.

Dolphins possess incredible intelligence. Because of their large and complex brains, dolphins can communicate, problem-solve, engage in creative play, learn quickly, and use tools. Many scientists believe their intelligence is second only to humans.

Scripture teaches us all treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Jesus (Colossians 2:2-3). Although Jesus demonstrated this wisdom throughout His ministry, I see it most clearly in His interactions with the religious leaders. The Pharisees and Sadducees continuously tried to trap Jesus, but He outsmarted them every single time. (You can read about one of these situations here.) 

Dolphins often engage in joyful play. Games of tag or catch can amuse a group of dolphins for hours. Amazingly, dolphins also play with other animals, such as whales. Such sport serves no purpose, other than simply enjoying the company of others. When I watch dolphins frolic, I can’t help but smile. Their antics convey pure joy.

Throughout His time on Earth, Jesus celebrated life with others. I wrote about this in an earlier blog post, using the wedding in Cana as an example. Many other Scriptures place Him in people’s homes for meals. Often when Jesus taught the people, He used parables centered on the themes of weddings and banquets. Jesus simply loved being with people.

Dolphins initiate helping others. For centuries, people have circulated stories of dolphins helping other dolphins, people, or other animals. Examples include guiding swimmers to safety, protecting others from sharks, and leading helpers to injured people. It remains a mystery how dolphins know to do this, or even what motivates them to do so. Even today, stories abound describing dolphins as rescuers and protectors. Some researchers claim only dolphins and humans practice altruism. 

Jesus remains the ultimate self-sacrificer. He came to Earth to show us the way to the Father (John 14:6). His death on the cross rescues us from the judgement we deserve and brings us healing (1Peter 2:24). He not only gives us eternal life, but He continually protects us from evil (2 Timothy 4:18). 

I loved dolphins long before I knew Jesus. In many ways, their Christ-like qualities paved the way for my adult heart to respond to His gospel.

The Bible tells us God’s creation speaks for Him:

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. (Romans 1:20 NIV)

Each part of creation reveals something of the Creator. He is all around us, in the world He created. We only need to look.

God’s creation testifies to Him. 

As I continue down the road, I pray to take time to see the Creator in the midst of His creation. Wherever you are in your journey, I pray the same for you.