What is the only man-made thing in heaven? It is the scars that Jesus bears! There are three things we can learn:-

1 – Jesus literally suffered

Some people won’t believe in God because of all the suffering in the world. Does He have the power but doesn’t really care or does He care or does he not have the power? But ask yourself the question – why does God suffer? Does a father suffer when his children do something wrong? Yes. If a husband has an unfaithful wife do you think that man suffers? Yes. God suffers when his bride, the church, is unfaithful to him. God chooses to suffer.

2 – He is a sympathising God

Jesus knows pain. Don’t think he does not understand. Jesus wept. He was moved with compassion. He feels what we feel. Pain is not a sign does not love us. God’s love allows pain. Pain protects us (e.g. when we get burnt). It is pain that makes us need one another (keeps us from being independent). It is pain that makes us do things. (E.g. put your hand in fire, pain says move!). People drink because they are trying to drown their sorrows. People watch too much TV because they want to not think about their pain. There are many sedatives that people are trying to kill the pain.

3 – He is a saving God

A scar is a wound that is healed. See Isaiah 53. God paid the price for our sins. If you follow Jesus you will have some scars. Do you suffer for Jesus? See Philippians 3:10-12. You will never have sweeter fellowship with Jesus than when you suffer for him. Your scars may be your greatest ministry. A scar is a wound that has healed. When Thomas saw the wound that was healed it was then that he recognised Jesus as the Christ. When others look at your scars then that is a testimony. If you are hurting, bring your wounds to Jesus and he will heal them.

Categories: John