Beginning in my childhood, I wondered why Jesus had scars after His resurrection. I had been led to believe our weaknesses, diseases, or disabilities would be perfected on Heaven’s side of eternity. Maybe I was a strange child pondering a theological element that did not coincide with my belief. Into adulthood, I wrestled with what seemed like a huge inconsistency. Jesus died, was resurrected, then why wasn’t His body whole – healed of scars? I was equating complete healing with NO visible scars.
Epiphany Moment
Following the death of my husband, the Holy Spirit put to rest my confusion about the scars of Jesus. His scars prove His identity and validated His story. They are the visible signs of His suffering. Jesus is who He said that He is – the Son of God. He came to redeem and reconcile.
No Doubt
Jesus rose from the dead as He predicted and in so doing glorified the name of the Father. If Jesus returned to the people without scars there would have been more scandalous allegations about who He was. Presumptions of Jesus Christ being an impostor already abounded. Rumors spread of His body being stolen from the grave.
Thomas was filled with doubt, “If I don’t see the mark of the nails in his hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe.” Often, we are like Thomas putting “untils” between ourselves and God.
Lesson Learned
Wounds and scars are different. A wound is still in the healing process. Whereas, a scar is a mark left following damage of some kind. Often, the pain of the wound is absent from a scar. My scars prove my identity in Christ. They tell a story to bring glory to the Father. I bear the scars of surviving the suicide of my son and the suicide of my husband. That horrendous damage has been redeemed through the power of the Holy Spirit. Love and suffering open us up to the fullness of God – His resurrection.
Scars can tell a story
Manette Kay
that testify of God’s greatness.
For Further Study
Review John chapter 20. What scars do you have? Are you refusing to believe, like Thomas, with an “until” fueling doubt? Can you see your scars as beautiful? How will you permit God to use your scars?
Prayer
Father God, thank You for Your healing powers. You have the love and ability to regenerate life in broken, wounded souls. Make me remember that the scars of Jesus told a story validating who He is. The scars I bear are now a part of my story. My story, as I surrender to Your sovereignty, is a part of Your redemption story. Lord, cause me to steward it well that others may benefit and be pointed to You.
Author Bio
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, grandmother, great-grandmother, foster care parent, and trauma survivor. I enjoy sipping tea, writing devotionals, prayers, short stories, and unburdening my heart to the Lord. Check the About page if you want to read more of my story.
Would you like to know more about the afterlife and how you can be assured of eternity in Heaven? Check the Questions page.
Check the Free Gifts page for downloadable/printable study guides and resources.
Copyright © 2020-2023 Musings of Manette Kay™ All rights reserved. Requests to the author and publisher, Manette Kay, for permission.
Image of statue hands by Michael Gaida from Pixabay.
Image of Bible with heart shadow by James Chan from Pixabay.
musingsofmanettekay.com 
Thank you, Manette. I appreciate the reminder that telling God our ‘untils’ only robs us of His blessings.
It’s also important to give our wounds time to become scars.
Thanks for sharing your story. It sounds like you have the scars to prove that God is faithful and true to His children. Blessings.
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Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. I’m grateful when others are reminded of His truths.
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I had read this post before, after all, and forgotten. Sorry. You just sent me the link via email so I could read it again. I gained even more insight this time! “Our scars prove our identity in Christ.” Thank you and God bless.
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Beautiful message. We know Him by the nail prints in His hands – the scars that Thomas saw and felt.
I see that you love tea. My favorite is Bigelow “Constant Comment”. Tea hath power to tame the wild beast of exhaustion.
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Thank you – yes we do know our risen Savior by His scars.
Regarding tea… I find my “favorite” changes, I enjoy trying new flavors.
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Oh, dear, Manette, my heart and spirit are instantly drawn to you and your writing after reading your “About” page. What tragic, heartbreaking losses God has brought you through. After losing my own precious son in a school bus accident, I am convinced that no other can understand the deep obliteration of our hearts and souls when we lose a child, than the grieving mother who has suffered the loss of her own child. For you to have lost your husband in the same manner of your son, and then the loss of your mother – such deep sadness. I am overjoyed to read of your healing and the joy you have now in turning your grief into helping others with your beautiful, healing words. I am so glad you stopped by my blog and liked and left a comment so I could be introduced to you. I look forward with a full heart to reading more of your inspiring and uplifting words. May God richly and abundantly bless you for your tears and your beautiful servant’s heart. Love and blessings to you ❤
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Thank you for your gracious and encouraging comments. Blessings to you as well.
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You’re very welcome.
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Thank you, dear Manette, for helping us view our visible and invisible scars as beautiful in Christ. We rob others of hearing a glorifying to God testimony when we hide them. We don’t need to be ashamed.
Blessings ~ Wendy Mac
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts and a glimpse of what you received from this. To God be the glory. This was something I actually wrote over a year ago, long before launching this website. I never want my writing to be from an, “Oh, poor me look how I have suffered” or to magnify woes in life. Christ taught us that we will suffer and we are to take up our cross daily to follow Him. The process can be hard and difficult but with Him when can get through. Blessing to you as well Wendy. I love your garden/nature photos.
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Thank you. 🙂
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How true that there’s a huge difference between a festering wound and a clean scar. Scars tell a story.
Some people have said that if you haven’t forgotten, you haven’t forgiven – NOT true! Some things can’t be forgotten, but that doesn’t mean we can’t forgive with God’s help.
Unforgiveness is a festering wound, but once forgiveness takes place, it becomes a clean scar – a memory that tells a story of God’s grace.
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I like your expounded application about unforgiveness, so true. Thanks for sharing.
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A really FABULOUS post! This has so much relevance for those of us who have survived abuse. ❤
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Thank you Anna for your encouraging words. I am glad this post ministered to you. The “scars” can really be any sort of pain, struggle or tragedy one goes through.
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Beautiful. 💕
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