“So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side. The disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord.” (John 20:19–20, NASB95)

Scars tell a story. A scar is a mark that is left on the skin after a wound or injury has healed. Scars are the natural part of the healing process. Though scars may fade with time, they never really go away.

All mankind has suffered a mortal wound from sin. Sin kills the body as well as destroying the soul, and unless there is healing, the end result of this mortal wound is death. This is the very reason that God sent a Savior to rescue man and bring healing from the mortal wound of sin and eternal punishment.

“But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5, NASB95)

The scars of Jesus tell His story of suffering for the purpose of redemption, hope, and healing. Though the scars on our human body will go away when we leave this body behind, the scars on the body of Jesus will remain forever as a constant reminder of His unfailing love and grace.

What do you see when you see scars? When you view a scar on your body, you are reminded of the past pain you have encountered and have been healed. When you look at the scars of Jesus, you are reminded that the punishment for your sin is no longer a threat. You are reminded that death no longer is a danger. When you see the scars of Jesus, you see a living Savior that was wounded to death but healed. When you see the scars of Jesus, you see hope because He has passed through death into life, therefore because you are in Christ, you also will pass through death into life.

Scars are the evidence of a wound that has been healed. In eternity the only scars that will be seen will be the scarred Savior that gave His life for your salvation.

Pastor Cary