Surprised by His scars

Jesus surprised people all the time. Mary was surprised to be chosen to be his mother. Joseph was surprised God came through a virgin. John the Baptist was surprised that Jesus needed to be baptized. I think the biggest surprise was the Resurrection of Jesus. The day Jesus rose from the dead was the greatest day in history. It was also the greatest surprise.

John 20:

John 20:1: The women came to the tomb early hoping to properly bury him. To find the tomb empty was a total surprise.

John 20:9: John indicates that they should not have been too surprised Jesus was raised from the dead, because it was in the Scripture all along. But they did not understand from Scripture what God was doing.

John 20:20: Jesus showed the disciples the scars of his suffering. When I think about the Resurrection of Jesus, what most surprises me is that God left scars on his body. I don’t think most of us continue to carry scars on our resurrected bodies.

Luke 24:39-40: The scars were the identifying mark that this actually was Jesus.

John 20:25: Thomas’ objection is strong and severe. He will not be swayed unless he sees physical proof that Jesus has risen from the dead.

John 20:26: I like it that Jesus gave Thomas eight full days to wonder. You’d think Jesus would quickly jump back down here, “Oh no, Thomas, don’t doubt!” But instead Jesus allows doubt to fester in Thomas. Ultimately Thomas’ struggle with doubt will make his faith even stronger.

John 20:27 Jesus invited Thomas to examine the scars. No one told Jesus that Thomas was doubting. But Jesus knew all of Thomas’ doubts without being told. Jesus knows your heart and your doubts.

The Scars of Jesus tell us:

1. Sin

• Jesus scars condemn us. They are proof that we, though we think we are basically could, would murder the greatest human that ever lived. We would murder the greatest that ever lived among us.
• Our tendency is to dismiss just how bad sin is.
• Sin must be dealt with violently.
• On the cross, Jesus unpacked my wickedness and paid the full price for each individual sin.

2. Jesus

• John 20:27. Note the word, “Behold my hands.” Gk word “ide.” At interjection that notes surprise. Literally it says, “Reach thy finger hither and … surprise.”
• Easter proves what Christmas claims: That God came down.
• Hypostatic Union: That Jesus ahs both a human and divine nature.

How is Jesus’ resurrection different from every other resurrection?

• He rose of his own volition.
• He rose to never die again.

3. Hope

• John 20:20: The disciples were “glad” when they saw his wounds. Because they had been healed.

Why do you believe what you believe?

• John 20:27: literally he says, “thrust” your hand in my side.
• John 20:27: Jesus explains to Thomas that seeing him physically alive is enough evidence to move him from doubt to belief.
• John 20:31: The result of believing is life.