Proven by His Wounds

"From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day." (Matthew 16:21).

Suffering. Heartache. Rejection. Death. No one really enjoys hearing or talking about it. The disciples were no different. Which is why that when Jesus talked about His coming trial and crucifixion, they seemed to tune Him out. They were repulsed by the Scriptures which prophesied, "He is despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief." But in Jesus we find such a wonderful paradox! From His wounds came healing; from His rejection came an invitation to draw close to God; from His death came life.

To Thomas, who often doubted the Savior, Jesus' scars proved to him what nothing else could, "I am He who was dead and now liveth, and behold, I am alive for evermore!" Perhaps in our times of suffering, we are closer to Him than at any other time. For in our suffering Savior we find a Friend who understands what we are going through. By His scars, His words are proven to us, "See, I will not forget you; I have carved you on the palm of my hand."

"The other gods were strong, but Thou wast weak.
They rode, but Thou didst stumble to a throne.
But to our wounds only God's wounds can speak.
And not a god has wounds but Thou alone."

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