Embrace Your Scars2

Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” - John 20:24-29

This passage is infamous for revealing Thomas’ turn from doubt to belief.

However, there’s another implication that’s just as significant.

Hidden within this narrative is a profound nugget of truth, that if comprehended, could change the way we think about suffering.

The scene is of a post-crucified, risen Jesus who has returned in his glorified body but it contains something peculiar:

Scars.

This is a mind-blowing notion to entertain in our imaginations.

The victorious Messiah, Jesus, came back with a scar!

What?

Huh?

So?

Jesus was an opened wound on the cross.

He then died and was buried in a tomb.

Three days later, the tomb couldn’t contain him.

He rose again.

Jesus was a healed scar upon his return.

We all have scars, seen and unseen.

Often, we’re ashamed of them and feel disfigured because of them.

But here’s the profound truth:

There’s a big difference between a wound and a scar.

Wounds need healing.

Scars reveal healing.

There was nothing wrong with Jesus’ resurrected body.

Yet he left the scar.

I believe Jesus intentionally left the mark (scar) for our benefit.

His scar was a storybook of his pain…and his healing.

The same is true of us.

Our scars aren’t tales of tragedy; they are tales of triumph.

Because something has been healed.

So don’t waste your scars.

Embrace them.

And when you come across someone who has the wound you once had, show them your scar, and tell your story.

That might be just the thing they need in their story of healing.

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