known by the scars

1 Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” 3 And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, 4 and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. 5 And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” 6 And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain. Revelation 5:1-6

One of the mysteries of the resurrection is that no one recognized Jesus after he was raised from the dead. Mary thought he was the gardener (John 20:15). The disciples on the road to Emmaus walked and talked with Jesus for hours, yet they didn't know him (Luke 24:13). As the disciples were gathered around Jesus at the second miraculous catch of fish, John 21:12 says, “None of the disciples dared ask him, 'Who are you?' They knew it was the Lord.”

They knew it was Jesus, and yet something was different about his appearance. One thing is clear, however. When Jesus wanted to be recognized, what did he do? When he first appeared to the disciples he showed them his scars (John 20:20). Jesus is recognized by his woundedness. It has always been and will always be that way.

Zechariah records what some people call a “pre-incarnate” appearance of Jesus: “If one asks him, 'What are these wounds on your back?' he will say, 'The wounds I received in the house of my friends'” (Zechariah 13:6).

John refers to the Lamb that was slain from the foundations of the world (Revelation 13:8). When he is standing in the middle of the multitude and one of the elders shouts, “Behold, the Lion . . .” John, expecting to see a lion, looks up, only to find a lamb. And how does he know who that Lamb is? By his wounds (5:1-6).

It's no wonder, then, that God allowed the scars to remain on Jesus' otherwise perfect resurrection body. He would be recognized by them. They had become his identifying mark, not his eyes or a freckle on his cheek. Jesus was recognized by the scars left by the wounds he suffered on the cross, and those brutal scars are a part of his glory.

As you take up your cross and follow Jesus, you will also be scarred. Perhaps the followers of Jesus are supposed to be recognized by their scars as well. —Crawford W. Loritts livingalegacy.org

seeking: Jesus, how has the reality of your scars challenged my heart today? What praise will I bring you for your unparalleled sacrifice?

responding: What promise did Jesus make to his “sheep” about their ability to recognize his voice? • How do I respond to Christians who say that believers are not supposed to suffer?

Lord Jesus, you who lived a wounded life for us, who became familiar with all our suffering, who invited your disciples to recognize you by your scars—please give me the eyes to recognize you today. Give me the ears to know your voice and hear you calling me by name. Make my small wounds be identifying marks that let others see you in me.

following: Jesus is identified by his scars.

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