When I was a boy, I had many scrapes with knives, bicycle wrecks, and the general “rough and tumble”. With each encounter, a scar was left. Some more nasty than others, but all still relatively visible. As we serve the risen Christ, scars are engraved upon our souls, as well upon our bodies physically.Do you have scars? Do you understand their implications? Thomas would not believe unless he saw the ones on Jesus to prove His authenticity. That is very profound to meditate on, isn’t it? May this outline help you!
Text: “Show Me Your Scars!”
Title: John 20:24
(John 20:24-31) But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (KJV)
Introduction:
• Our text shows a description of the Resurrected Christ. This plainly depicts the BODILY resurrection of Jesus.
• The identifiable marks of the cross are what Thomas wanted to see for proof that who his fellow disciples saw was, in fact, JESUS!
• There are many Thomas’ in this world who will not believe unless they see. We should note that Jesus pronounced a blessing on those who would believe, yet not see with their eyes.
• The scars or marks of the cross have always been a sign of the genuineness of Christianity.
• They can be faked by impostors, but usually that comes to light!
• The resurrection of Jesus provided the opportunity for all of mankind to benefit from the scars of Christ!
(Isaiah 53:5) “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” (KJV)
(1 Peter 2:21-25) “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” (KJV)
Proposition: There are four thoughts I want to speak to in regard to the scars of Jesus being ingrained into our lives as believers.
I. Notice That Genuine Scars Are A Sign Of A Crucified Life!
A. Without a doubt one can see that Jesus’ scars were genuine, but that cannot be said of every scar in a person’s life
B. Paul spoke of his scars which he bore!
(Galatians 6:17) “From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” (KJV)
C. His marks also testified of a crucified life!
(Galatians 2:20) “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (KJV)
D. Can it be seen that our marks and scars, if any, show that we are a consecrated Christian who is dead to self and letting the resurrected Christ live through us?
II. Notice That No Scars Are A Sign Of A Callous Christian!
A. The absence of scars usually testify of one who has neither been saved or of a Christian which has failed to completely understand the way in which he or she should live their life as a believer!
B. For a Christian, the lack of scars gives no evidence of any identification of their life with that of Jesus’; other than that of the lips and selected acts.
C. They cannot identify themselves with Paul and his apostolic example which he left for us.
(1 Corinthians 15:31) “… I die daily.” (KJV)
(Romans 12:1-2) “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (KJV)
D. We may have calluses. Usually they are in our heart and displayed by our actions and attitude. We should have the bleeding wounds of Jesus in our life.
III. Notice That Scars Speak Louder Than The Voice Of Any Christian!
A. Jesus let His wounds speak for themselves!
B. Paul let his scars speak to the doubting Thomas’ of his day!
C. There are some people whom God wants you to reach who will only believe on the Lord Jesus, after seeing you and your scars which you have in your life.
D. Think about it! You actions and your testimony speak louder than your lips. They add weight to your admonition to others to be saved and live for God!
IV. Notice That Scars Have A Unique Story To Publish!
A. Every scar has a story to tell!
B. Jesus’ could tell of the agony of the cross which he willingly bore for the sins of the human race!
C. Paul’s spoke of one who lived for God in spite of it all. Stoned, beaten, whipped, destitute on the waves of the Mediterranean, and shipwrecked on beaches (much more can be said) and yet this was willingly endured because he died to self years previous and continually did it every day!
D. What do your scars tell of? A praying and dedicated wife? A loving parent who is broken over the sins of their children? Have you endured heated words with those of whom you love dearly about your faith in Christ? Have you been treated maliciously because you were steadfast in your walk with God!
Conclusion:
To The Sinner:
• Repent and believe the gospel!
To The Christian:
• Can You Show Us Your Scars?
• Do you have any scars that would resemble Paul’s which would convince any gainsayer that you are a crucified Christian?
• Are your scars just from your own sins and from your own self-will?
• May we seek not to be a martyr necessarily, but to die to self and let Christ live His life through us!
