Untitled Sermon (3)

Beautiful Scars: Embracing Our Wounds

Bible Passage: John 20:19–29

Summary: In John 20:19–29, after His resurrection, Jesus appears to His disciples and shows them His scars, symbolizing both His suffering and the reality of His bodily resurrection. This passage illustrates how Jesus' scars carry profound meaning, demonstrating His love, the cost of salvation, and the reality of physical healing, urging believers to embrace their own scars as parts of their journey and testimony.

Application: This message can help Christians understand that scars—both physical and emotional—are integral parts of their stories. Rather than hiding or fearing these scars, believers can find strength and purpose in them, using their experiences to connect with others and to witness the transformative power of God’s love.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that scars represent both pain and healing, encouraging believers to view their struggles as opportunities for growth and sharing the hope found in Christ. It emphasizes the importance of community in healing and the significance of vulnerability in ministry.

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout Scripture, Christ's scars provide a powerful reminder of the price of sin and the depth of God's love. They point to the broader narrative of redemption, where suffering leads to hope and resurrection—promising believers that Christ understands their pain and transforms it for His glory.

Big Idea: Our scars, much like Christ's, become powerful symbols of hope and testimony in the hands of a loving God, who invites us to share our stories of pain and healing to inspire others towards faith and restoration.

Recommended Study: I recommend diving into contextual studies related to the resurrection accounts in your Logos library. Look into the historical significance of the physical scars in Jewish culture and how they relate to themes of identity and belonging within the early church. Additionally, research commentaries on the nature of Christ’s resurrected body to understand the implications of His scars for our understanding of eternal life.

1. Scars: Sign of Survival

John 20:19-20

You could begin by highlighting how Jesus first appeared to His disciples in a closed room, intentionally showing them His scars. When we face struggles and see our scars, whether physical or emotional, we are reminded of our battles and survival. The physical evidence of our hardships can be a source of hope and encouragement for both ourselves and others. By showing His scars, Jesus is inviting us to embrace our own, recognizing them as vital parts of our redemption story.

2. Scars: Source of Mission

John 20:21-23

Perhaps, reflect on how Jesus immediately transitioned from showing His scars to commissioning His disciples. This shows that our scars don't disqualify us but rather prepare us for mission. Jesus empowers His followers with peace and sends them out into the world as living testimonies of grace. Just as Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit on the disciples, sharing our experiences of hurt and healing can breathe spiritual life and encouragement into others.

3. Scars: Validate Our Testimony

John 20:24-25

Maybe consider Thomas's skepticism and insistence on seeing the scars himself. This point suggests that our scars can validate the reality of our journey and provide tangible proof of God's work in our lives. Our toughest battles often serve as the clearest testimonies to others that faith is resilient and real. By being open about our scars, we open the way for others to find faith beyond their doubt.

4. Scars: Inspire Faith

John 20:26-29

You could conclude by reflecting on Thomas’s encounter with Jesus, where doubting turns to belief upon seeing and touching Jesus' scars. In our times of doubt, Jesus invites us to confront our scars, leading to deeper faith and understanding. When we share our stories of redemption and healing, we echo Thomas’s exclamation, "My Lord and my God!", inviting others to see Christ's transforming power in our lives, and inspiring them to faith.