It’s virtually impossible to get through this life without some scars. Emotional, physical and spiritual scars are part of the human experience. They shape us. They damage us. They change us forever. The thing about scars is they imply healing. They remind us of what was, but they no longer cause pain.
Some wounds feel like they will never heal. We think the pain will always be there. Some wounds appear to be healed or tucked nicely away until we pick the scabs. We feel the pain like it is brand new. Some wounds fester and become infected. They take over our lives and prevent us from living as a whole person.
When Jesus is resurrected, his scars are still there. Everything He experienced on earth is still there, but healed. He is no longer beaten and bleeding. He is restored to wholeness. It is that same wholeness that is promised to you and me.
19-20 Later on that day, the disciples had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” Then he showed them his hands and side. 20-21 The disciples, seeing the Master with their own eyes, were awestruck. Jesus repeated his greeting: “Peace to you. Just as the Father sent me, I send you.” (John 20:19-21 MSG)
He shows the disciples the scars to prove that it is really Him. Those scars show us that wholeness exists, that healing is real. Jesus remembers everything that He experienced but it no longer causes pain.
You may think that can’t be real. There is no way your wounds could heal and become scars, but healing through Jesus does exactly that. His healing has taken away rage from deep within me. His healing allows me to remember the icky neighbor without emotional pain. I have scars. They are part of me. They are my testimony, and they motivate me to keep doing the work to heal additional wounds knowing Jesus can and will provide complete healing. We are in this together. His resurrection reminds me that He died so I could live.
Do you have scars? Do you trust Jesus to bring healing? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.