Scripture reading: Luke 24:36–49

No Scar?

I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus (Galatians 6:17 NLT)

 

We tend to think of scars as ugly and embarrassing. Those who have them typically want to cover them up and keep them hidden. Paul however, came to realize that the scars in his body were actually

marks of beauty. The disfigurements he bore as a result of stonings and beatings were badges of honor witnessing to the fact that he was a follower of the One who had scars in his hands, feet and side.

It is remarkable that the risen and glorified body of Jesus had scars! One might think that once the victory had been won, the Father would make sure those ugly reminders of Jesus’ suffering and death would be eliminated. Not so! Throughout eternity, the church of Jesus will look on those scars in Christ’s body and give grateful worship for what he has done for us. But there’s more. Jesus has scars, yes. But he anticipates that we will have them too. When the risen Jesus sent his disciples into the world to share the Gospel with others, he gave them an unforgettable visual object lesson.

Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. . . . Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” (John 20:19–21)

It was as he showed them the nail prints in his hands and side that he explained he was sending them just as he had been sent. In other words, as the Father sent Jesus to give his life for others, so Jesus was sending his disciples into the world to do the same. It would cost them even as it cost him! Just as Jesus had scars to prove his self-giving love, his disciples would have them too. Scars are the proof of discipleship!

Missionary to India Amy Carmichael had a profound understanding of Gospel scars. She wrote an unforgettable poem entitled simply, “No Scar?”

Hast thou no scar?

No hidden scar on foot, or side, or hand? I hear thee sung as mighty in the land;

I hear them hail thy bright, ascendant star.

Hast thou no scar? Hast thou no wound?

Yet I was wounded by the archers; spent, Leaned Me against a tree to die; and rent

By ravening beasts that compassed Me, I swooned.

Hast thou no wound?

No wound? No scar?

Yet, as the Master shall the servant be, And pierced are the feet that follow Me.

But thine are whole; can he have followed far Who hast no wound or scar?

 

I make myself a leper with the lepers to gain all to Jesus Christ.

—Father Damien of Molokai (missionary to lepers who himself caught the disease while ministering)

point to ponder • The scars that are the result of sacrificial love are always beautiful.

prayer focus • Someone living sacrificially out of love for others (a mother, a pastor, a soldier, a nurse, etc.).