Scars

Webster defines a scar as a mark remaining on the skin after the injured tissue has healed. A second definition is a lasting moral or emotional injury.

While it's common to have a physical scar, it's not an everyday occurrence for people to go around showing their scar(s). Most people put forth an effort to hide scars whether they're physical or emotional.

Therefore, a valid question arises when we read that Jesus intentionally revealed His scars to the disciples. Why did Jesus show His crucifixion scars? Did the scars prove something for His followers? Jesus needed to show His hands and feet to prove that He was indeed resurrected. He wasn't just an empty spirit. The scars showed that He was flesh and bones.

What about the emotional piece involved with charges leading to the crucifixion of Jesus? Dying in such a brutal way, no doubt left emotional scars. We know that He was erroneously charged, then was humiliated when treated as a common criminal. His prayers were so intense that shortly before being handed over to Pilate, who was the governor, He wept tears of blood.

Is it possible to overcome, or move past, the most difficult situation in your life? Some of you may say no, there’s no way to move forward now. Let’s examine the possibility of moving from that anchored tough spot.

The Lord’s Promise: The disciples were gathered in Jerusalem when Jesus appeared. They were startled and frightened, and He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” Luke 24:37-39 NIV

Reinforced Promise: The disciples told Thomas that they saw the risen Jesus. This was his response: “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” John 20:25 NIV

For You Today: Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” John 20:27 Jesus’s scars show how much we are loved and that our pain is understood. Scars often tell a story and can lead to some type of healing in our lives. Today the important message is to walk without doubt and believe with all of your heart. This is a crucial part of the healing formula, and where impossible things can become possible. Where the next step forward can happen.

Suggestion: Listen to this beautiful song by Casting Crowns titled Scars in Heaven.