The Wounds of Jesus

By Rev. Dr. Emmanuel James

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24).

The wounds that were inflicted upon Jesus during His crucifixion are part of the price He paid for our salvation. How He suffered and bled because of these wounds Jesus still bears these wounds in His Risen Body as an eternal sign of His redeeming Love. Why does He allow these scars to remain? He has power to erase them but they remain as a reminder to us that He suffered for us.  Read Isaiah 49:16 which records God’s endearing words to us: “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands”. These words have far reaching spiritual significance for us. The Lord God clearly says, “I have engraved you” This includes all my sins, weaknesses, problems, failures, sorrows, and unworthiness. He has engraved my complete personality on the palm of His hands. My God loves me so much that He has engraved me on the palm of His hands. What more assurance do I need to be convinced that He loves me and cares for me? The engraved hands of God are a symbol that He remembers me. God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Heb. 13:5).

Secondly, what benefit can I get from these wounds? I can receive my healing. Praise God for the power that Jesus has over my sicknesses and pains. Peter testifies, "By His wounds you were healed" (1 Peter 2:24). There are so many people who are sick and are suffering and are eagerly looking for their healing. There is hope for everyone who is sick and in pain. Each one of us can be healed if we believe in the healing power of Jesus.

Thirdly, the wounds of Jesus make it possible for us to believe in Jesus and accept Him as our personal Lord and God. Jesus said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side” (John 20:27). Here Jesus referring to the wound caused by the piercing of His side by the spear of a Roman soldier. Heart is the seat of love and He loved me so much that He allowed His heart to be pierced for me. With what a great love He has loved me! When each one of us realizes this, we will fall on our knees and confess gratefully with Thomas, "My Lord and my God!"  Jesus tells Thomas, “Stop doubting and believe."   When Thomas obeyed the Lord, he blurted out, “My Lord and my God!"   Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."  (John 20:27-29). Do I have that kind of faith that Jesus expects from me?

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, I am deeply grateful to you for your wounds. They remind me that you love me and care for me. They give the assurance to me that by Your wounds I can be healed. They make it possible for me to believe in you and accept you as my personal Lord, Savior and God. May your wounds be a source of loving gratitude for you throughout my life.

In Jesus’ dear name, Amen.