Object Lessons of Jesus – Scars and Wounds

Object Lessons of Jesus – Scars and Wounds.

“One of the twelve wasn’t present when Jesus appeared to them – it was Thomas, whose nickname was ‘the Twin.’ So the disciples informed him, ‘We have seen the Lord with our own eyes!’ Still unconvinced, Thomas replied, ‘There’s no way I’m going to believe this unless I personally see the wounds of the nails in His hands, touch them with my finger, and put my hand into the wound of His side where He was pierced!’ Then eight days later, Thomas and all the others were in the house together. And even though all the doors were locked, Jesus suddenly stood before them! ‘Peace to you,’ He said. Then, looking into Thomas’ eyes, He said, ‘Put your finger here in the wounds of my hands. Here – put your hand into my wounded side and see for yourself. Thomas, don’t give in to your doubts any longer. Just believe!’ Then the words spilled out of his heart – ‘You are my Lord, and you are my God!’ Jesus responded, ‘Thomas, now that you’ve seen me, you believe. But there are those who have never seen me with their eyes but have believed in me with their hearts, and they will be blessed even more!” (John 20:24-29).

OBJECTS: The scars and wounds on Jesus’ body from the Cross.

LESSON: Jesus had an important group of lessons for Thomas the Twin after the Resurrection. Jesus wanted to do whatever it took to teach Thomas about faith. After appearing to the disciples without Thomas, they were overjoyed that Jesus was truly risen from the dead. But Thomas, without tangible proof, was not convinced. Then many days later, Thomas was with the other disciples in a locked room, and Jesus appeared. Jesus made a special point of focusing on Thomas in particular. Jesus pointed out to Thomas the scars and wounds on His resurrected body, the nail holes in his hands, and the deep gash on His side. Thomas saw and believed. Thomas the skeptic turned into Thomas the believer. Without ever touching Jesus’ wounds, Thomas declared His loyalty to Jesus, and that He considered Jesus to be his Lord and his God. So that was lesson #1: Thomas, I am alive, so now you can be convinced of my Resurrection. And then there is lesson #2:  Thomas, you saw my body with your own eyes, you know now that I am not a ghost or a floating spirit. But it’s even better for those who haven’t seen me and still believe. Finally, there is lesson #3: I know you had doubts, Thomas, and I met you where you were in your doubts. I will do whatever it takes to help you believe in me. Thomas learned his lessons well, for soon thereafter he ventured all the way to India to share the Good News of Jesus. He evidently was martyred there and is still considered the patron saint of India.