Introduction

Good morning, dear friends. It's a blessing to be here with you today, gathered in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We convene not as strangers but as members of one family, bound together by the love of our Lord. We unite not in our perfection, but in our shared need for the grace that's been so generously bestowed upon us.

Today, we find ourselves standing at the intersection of faith and understanding, where we seek to comprehend the profound mysteries of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our guidepost, as always, is the Holy Scripture, the Word of God, which lights our path and leads us towards truth.

Our Scripture today is from the Gospel of John, chapter 20, verses 24 to 29:

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In this passage, we encounter Thomas, the disciple known for his doubt, and we see Jesus, the Savior known for His scars. This encounter, dear friends, is not just a historical event, but a timeless lesson that resonates with us even today.

We will be focusing on three main points today: the significance of Jesus' scars, the stories told by scars, and salvation through scars. These points call us to reflect on the depth of Jesus' sacrifice and the breadth of His love for us.

Significance of Jesus' Scars

In the Gospel of John, we find a moment that holds profound meaning for all believers. When Thomas, in his doubt, demands to see the scars of Jesus, we are presented with a scene that is both deeply human and divinely significant. The scars of Jesus are not merely physical marks; they are symbols of His sacrifice, His love, and His victory over death.

What are scars?: In the physical realm, scars are evidence of past wounds, reminders of pain endured and battles fought. They tell a story of survival, of resilience, and of healing. When we look at the scars of Jesus, we see a similar narrative, but on a much grander scale. His scars are the evidence of His crucifixion, the physical manifestation of the pain He willingly endured for our sake. But these scars are not just reminders of His suffering; they are also symbols of His love. In willingly bearing the cross, Jesus demonstrated a love so profound, so selfless, that it defies human comprehension. His scars are the tangible proof of this love, a love that chose to endure the unimaginable pain of the cross for the sake of humanity.

A testament to Jesus’ victory over death: The fact that He bears these scars even after His resurrection is a powerful reminder that He has conquered death, that He has triumphed over the grave. His scars are the marks of a victor, the badges of His victory over sin and death.

Patience and understanding: In the encounter between Thomas and the resurrected Jesus, we see the disciple's doubt met with the Savior's patience and understanding. Thomas, in his skepticism, demands physical proof of the resurrection. He wants to see and touch the scars of Jesus, to confirm for himself that the Lord has indeed risen. This demand, while seemingly lacking in faith, is not entirely unreasonable. After all, the resurrection is a miraculous event, something that defies the natural order of things. Thomas, in his desire for proof, is grappling with the reality of this miracle, trying to reconcile his faith with his understanding.

His response to Thomas' doubt: Jesus does not rebuke or chastise him. Instead, He meets Thomas where he is, in his skepticism and uncertainty. He offers His scars as proof, inviting Thomas to see and touch them. In doing so, Jesus demonstrates a patience and understanding that is truly divine. He acknowledges Thomas' doubt, but does not let it define him. Instead, He provides the evidence that Thomas needs to believe.

A demonstration of Jesus' compassion and understanding: He does not dismiss Thomas' doubt, but addresses it head-on, offering His scars as proof of His resurrection. This is a powerful reminder for us, as believers, that our doubts and questions are not a sign of weak faith, but an opportunity for growth and understanding.

The scars of Jesus: They’re not just physical marks; they are symbols of His sacrifice, His love, and His victory over death. They are the evidence of His resurrection, the proof of His divine nature. They are a testament to His patience and understanding, a reminder that He meets us where we are, in our doubts and uncertainties. And they are a call to faith, an invitation to believe in the miraculous reality of His resurrection.

Stories Told by Scars

In the Gospel of John, we find Thomas, a disciple grappling with doubt, confronted with the physical evidence of Jesus' crucifixion ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO