What significance do Jesus' wounds hold for understanding His sacrifice and victory? Seeing the Scars on Resurrection Morning “After He had said this, He showed them His hands and side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.” (John 20:20) Proof of His Authentic Identity • The same body that was pierced now stands alive—no impostor, no vision. • Luke 24:39 – 40: “Touch Me and see… a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” • Zechariah 12:10 foretold Israel would look “on Me, the One they have pierced.” The wounds unmistakably mark Him as Messiah. Visible Evidence of the Completed Sacrifice • Isaiah 53:5: “He was pierced for our transgressions… by His wounds we are healed.” • The scars certify the debt is paid; nothing further must be added. • Hebrews 10:19 – 20: through “the curtain, that is, His body,” we now enter the Most Holy Place with confidence. Source of Peace and Forgiveness • John 20:19 parallels v. 20: Jesus greets them, “Peace be with you,” then shows the wounds that purchased that peace. • Colossians 1:20: He made peace “by the blood of His cross.” • Because the marks remain, our pardon remains. Triumph Over Death and the Devil • Revelation 5:6: the Lamb stands “as though it had been slain,” alive yet bearing slaughter marks—victorious. • Colossians 2:13 – 15: at the cross He “disarmed the powers… triumphing over them.” The empty tomb and enduring scars seal that triumph. • Death’s weapons left their imprint on Him; He walked out of the grave with those trophies. Invitation to Personal Faith and Ongoing Mission • Thomas will soon be invited to touch the wounds (John 20:27) — evidence meant to ignite faith. • 1 Peter 2:24: “By His stripes you were healed.” The healed become heralds: “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you” (John 20:21). • Every time we remember His scars at the Lord’s Table (1 Corinthians 11:26), we proclaim both His death and His coming victory. Living Hope Anchored in a Scarred Savior • The wounds remain in His glorified body, reminding us that suffering is never wasted in God’s plan. • They guarantee that the worst evil can do has already been overcome, assuring believers of resurrection and final glory (Romans 8:11). |
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