Then he showed them his hands and his side. John 20:20.
By his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53: 5
The Risen Christ proudly shows off his wounds from the cross. They are still very visible, and help the disciples know that it really is him. I find it utterly fascinating that the resurrected Jesus does not appear fully repaired. He is new, and he still carries his wounds.
We all have our scars, and there is a story connected to each one. The scar on my upper lip is when I didn’t get a front brake rebuild on my bike perfectly right. The brake came loose into my wheel, and I face planted on the bitumen. I will never make that mistake again. I also have a new understanding for others who don’t get things right.
We all have our inside scars – wounds or hurts from disappointments, things that didn’t work out the way we hoped, harsh judgements, things done to us that weren’t exactly fair. And then there is guilt, shame or humiliation that we all carry at times.
The Risen Christ reaches out to each one of us, saying, ‘I’ve got you. Let your wounds be held in my wounds. Let me give you healing and comfort. Let my love and strength fill you.’
Our scars, inside and out, then become badges of honour; lessons learnt, hard work of healing done. The Risen Christ, showing us his wounds, gives us the courage and strength to do what is necessary with our wounds and hurts, and to work on them in good ways.
