In this week’s comic strip, “Pickles,” the young grandson, Nelson, notices scars on his Grandfather. As any child would, he touches each one and asks his grandfather about them. “What’s this dent in your head, Grampa? What’s that big bump over here from?” For each scar, Grampa has a story. In the last frame, Nelson surmises, “That might explain a lot about Grampa.”
Scars reveal what we’ve been through. Every scar has a story. Jesus uses his scar to reveal himself to St. Thomas, the apostle we celebrate on July 3. Jesus gestured and invited Thomas to touch his scars. He showed him his hand and sides (20:27). We are unsure if Thomas accepted the offer. I imagine the gesture is all that Thomas needed. Jesus’ movement was like a sign pointing the way to belief. When he extended his hands, he confirmed what Thomas had missed. Thomas’s skepticism was overcome. He confessed unequivocal belief in Jesus’ divine nature to his friends and Savior: “My Lord and my God.”
Some followers needed more than appearances and greetings. They required more than showing up and attending the faith; they wanted hands-on participation in the experience. Thomas needed to see the scars.
What evidence do you need to show the unbelieving skeptics like Thomas today? Show them the places in your life where Jesus has healed you. Let them understand your lived faith experience and how Christ has met you.
Scars of faith build a bridge between the resurrected Jesus and people today. Together, we say, “We have seen the Lord” (20:25).
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