Why are you troubled?” he asked them. “And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself! Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.”
LUKE 24:38-39 (CSB)

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Crown him the Lord of love:
Behold his hands and side,
Rich wounds yet visible above,
In beauty glorified:
No angel in the sky
Can fully bear that sight,
But downward bends his burning eye
At mysteries so bright.

Crown Him with Many Crowns by Matthew Bridges and Godfrey Thring

The New York Times, of all publications, accidentally printed something profoundly Christian. Of course, it was Easter. Peter Wehner who has served in three Republican administrations is a contributing Opinion writer. His column is entitled, Why Is Jesus Still Wounded After His Resurrection? It is worth any effort you need to make to find it and read it reflectively.

One of my favorite responses to his question is provided by Peggy Wehmeyer, the former religion reporter for ABC News who got her start at WFAA in Dallas. She said, “If Jesus showed us his scars, even after his Resurrection, then maybe we can learn to integrate pain and suffering into our lives in a way that frees us from wasting energy spent in denial and shame.”

Deuteronomy 21:22, 23 tells us that anyone hung on a tree is cursed. Galatians 3:13 tells us that Jesus redeemed us from the curse. 

A young woman away at college discovered many of her friends and acquaintances were somewhat entitled, or more pejoratively, spoiled. She said, “They have never had any problems. They do not know how to handle problems.”

It is a problem to have never had problems. How can we mature without challenge? 

Jesus had problems. Jesus has scars. The problems have been resolved. The scars remain. They are “in beauty glorified.”

I’ve always, mistakenly apparently, thought my resurrection body would be perfect, maybe even taller and thinner, and more muscular for sure. Now I wonder if the forward tilt of my neck and the slump of my shoulders will forever tell of prayers prayed and burdens borne.

The Apostle Paul told of his scars (2 Cor. 11:16-33). Peter got a set of his own. 

Jesus’ scars are marks of identity and beauty. He suffered. He died. He did it because he loves us. Who else has ever loved us so?

The first thing Jesus said when he entered the room that day was, “Peace to you!” (verse 36). Next, he asked, “Why are you troubled?” His wounds, yet visible above, provide peace. 

Jesus said, “You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world,” (John 16:33). 

Jesus conquered suffering. Jesus conquered death. He gives us his peace and his courage to overcome our own challenges. There may be scars. May they be beautiful in his sight!

Resurrection does not erase the past. Resurrection glorifies and beautifies the worst kinds of wounds into the most remarkable works of art reminding us of more love than we can comprehend or contain. 

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I will ponder mysteries so bright.

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Our Father, there is no story to compare with your story. There is no love like your love. There is no glory like those scars. How could I not bow? Amen.