It is painful to think of Christ's torture. But we know it really happened. Thomas made sure we'd all remember by asking for evidence. In John 20:27 our Saviour obliged by telling Thomas to, "Put your finger here; see My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side." Thomas could not refute the painful proof and exclaimed in awe, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28).
For years, I had avoided looking at my suffering Saviour. That changed a while ago when I had bilateral carpal tunnel surgery. For a time, there was pain and helplessness because both of my hands were stitched and bound. I thought again and again of Jesus, whose hands were completely gouged by cruel nails. Those horrible spikes were pounded through in order to support His arms and body weight. How could He bear it?
Christ's caring hands touched many with healing and love. He was not afraid to use them for work in carpentry and daily living. He did not disdain the earth He created, but used mud for an eye-healing poultice. Jesus' hands did many menial and miraculous tasks. How He held them in prayer to God the Father, we are not told. But we know He touched children and took time to hold them in His arms. Maybe He even bounced a boisterous youngster in the air and shared a bit of glee. He extended His hands to all who would come to Him.
On the way to Golgatha, Jesus' hands could no longer hold the cross He'd been given to carry. Then, when without anaesthetic or pain killer, the soldiers drove in the spikes. They let Him hang in the heat until He had paid for our sin with His life.
After His resurrection, Jesus bore the marks of that ordeal. Even His risen body had them for eternal evidence. His scars seem different now that I've known some hurts. Whenever I stumble, I hope to reach for His pierced hand.
Hilda J. Born is a member of Central Heights MB Church in Abbotsford, B.C.