Post Resurrection Scars

The subject of scars is one that everyone can identify with because most if not all bear the marks of one.  And it goes without saying every scar carries its own story.  That’s why the old adage “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours” seems to apply to every generation. When you read scripture you find that Christ bore scars upon his body.  So did the apostle Paul who stated, “I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” If we took the time in any given family gathering or church service it would be amazing the stories that could be told as to how people received theirs. For many the memory of that story might produce great pain, especially, if those scars are connected with sin or some heart-breaking event.  This might be the case because we tend to look at our scars as being negative.  Yet, it’s amazing to me that after the resurrection Jesus appeared with scars in his hands, feet, and side. Being the Lord of glory, you know he could have reappeared without any indelible sign of physical abuse or death, but he chose not to. Just as amazing is the fact that He draws attention to his post--resurrection scars inviting the disciples to look and even to touch them. Why would he do such a thing? Roger Fredrickson in his commentary on John states, “These scars are the marks that prove the crucified Jesus is the risen Christ.  These wounds are also His credentials in ministering to all suffering humanity. They are the scars that the church, His body on earth, must bear if it is to continue the authentic ministry of Jesus.” In essence scars can be a good thing. The crucified Christ chose not to remove his scars but raise attention to them because they were proof of his overwhelming victory.  That’s why we the church must appear to the world not being marred but scared.  These scars are the testimony that we have weathered the storms of opposition and prevailed.  They are the witness of our victorious survival. In Jesus’ life they were evidence that the weapons of the enemy did not prosper, because even in death God gave deliverance.  This reality gives us great hope because when those struggling and battle weary ask “Is it possible to make it” our response can be “Yes! Let me show you my scars!”