The Scars of Jesus (John 20:19-31)

Every scar tells a story. Some are visible, others are hidden beneath the surface—scars of grief, disappointment, loss, and disillusionment. In John 20:19–31, the risen Jesus comes to his fearful and disbelieving disciples, not with condemnation, but with peace. He shows them his scarred hands and side so that they might believe, and then he sends them into the world by the power of the Holy Spirit. In this sermon, we see how Jesus seeks his disciples in their disbelief, saves them by showing his scars, and sends them out to continue his mission. Thomas’s doubt is not treated as an obstacle too great for Jesus, but as the very place where Jesus meets him with grace. The scars of Christ become the sign of his resurrection, the proof of his finished work, and the foundation of our faith. Because Jesus has been raised, we no longer live behind locked doors in fear. We are called to believe, to receive his peace, and to bear witness to the good news that sins are forgiven in his name