The Parsonal Computer

Known By His Scars

Thomas checking the scars.

In The Odyssey, there is a scene that takes place near the end of the story. Odysseus returns home after many years of wandering. He is in disguise as an old man. At first nobody recognizes him, not even his wife and child. One night before bed, Odysseus’ aged nurse bathes him. At first, she thinks he is just a stranger; but while bathing him, she recognizes a scar on his leg. She remembers the scar from his infancy. She did not recognize him until she saw his scar.

Jesus had a similar experience. When first told about the risen Lord, Thomas refused to believe. But when he saw the scars, he knew the resurrected One was the crucified One. He knew it was Jesus. He recognized Him by His scars. (John 20:24-29)

It is the scars that make the difference. Because a savior without scars is not a savior. We like to picture Jesus meek and mild. We see Him teaching the crowds or blessing the little children or even healing the sick, but until we see His scars we could confuse Him with somebody else. It is His scars that identify Him. It is by His scars that we know He died for us.

“But he was pierced for our rebellion,crushed for our sins.He was beaten so we could be whole.He was whipped so we could be healed.” Isaiah 53:5 (NLT)