Does Jesus Still Have His Wounds When He Comes Back?

For many, the question of whether Jesus still bears His wounds after His resurrection lurks in the annals of biblical history. The scriptures provide a nuanced and profound answer, offering a witness to the lasting miracle of faith and belief.

The Unseen Hands and Feet

At the heart of this inquiry lies the encounter between Jesus and the apostle Thomas. In John 20:24-25, we read about Thomas's doubt, a natural human reaction to the extraordinary claim of the resurrection. Jesus responded to Thomas's skepticism with a divine mercy, inviting him to inspect the very wounds that had once brought about His death on the cross.

Jesus extended His invitation in a manner that highlighted both His humanity and His divinity. He said:

“25 So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger in the places where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.’”

This scene, often captured in art, is a poignant reminder that the physical marks of His crucifixion were not merely artifacts of a past trauma. Instead, these wounds served as enduring symbols, testifying to the truth of His resurrection.

A Divine Miraculous Appearance

Jesus, knowing Thomas's doubt, made Himself available in a form that allowed Thomas to witness and touch the very wounds he was skeptical about. In John 20:26-27, we see:

“26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, ‘Peace be with you!’ 27 Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.’”

Here, the divine intervention is undeniable. Jesus appeared materialized, His wounds still present, serving as a powerful sign of His divine identity and the truth of the resurrection.

Wounds as Signs of Faith

The wounds, though physical, convey a deep spiritual message. They stand as a testament to the unconditional love of God and the infinite sincerity of Christ's sacrifice. In John 20:27-29, we see:

“27 Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.’ 28 Thomas answered and said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ 29 Jesus said to him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’”

For Thomas, these wounds were a sign to believe. For others, they provide a beacon of faith, a divine sign that the claims made by Jesus are not merely words but lived and witnessed through the physical and the intangible.

The Divine Significance of Belief

The appearance of Jesus and His invitation to Thomas were more than an act of mercy; they were a deliberate demonstration of faith. In John 20:28-31, Jesus speaks further:

“28 Thomas answered and said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ 29 Jesus said to him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’ 30 Many other signs Jesus performed in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 So these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

Jesus's appearances and the subsequent belief of Thomas serve as a call to all who read the story. They encourage a faith that does not merely accept but chooses to believe, even when the evidence might not be as tangible as Thomas's physical encounter.

In conclusion, the wounds of Jesus, whether present or absent in the physical appearance, stand as a divine sign. They are reminders of the ultimate act of faith and the powerful influence of belief in a world often filled with doubt and skepticism. As BLESSED is LORD JESUS CHRIST SAVIOR OF THE WORLD reminds us, these wounds are a testament to a greater truth—they are a witness to the enduring love and sacrifice of Christ.