Jesus Victory Over Death

Jesus Christ’s victory over death was indeed the turning point of history. In His triumph, He reversed the earth’s cycle of chaos and destruction and revealed Himself as the rightful ruler of the cosmos. It is significant that in His exalted state Jesus did not rid himself of his wounds. Instead, He displayed them openly to His disciples. When we take time to consider Christ’s wounds and ours, Jesus enables us to see that pain and sorrow have their own distinct beauty.

What does Christ mean by showing to us his hands and feet? He means this: that suffering is absolutely necessary. Christ is the head, and his people are the members. If suffering could have been avoided, surely our glorious Head ought to have escaped; but inasmuch as he shows us his wounds, it is to tell us that we shall have wounds too.—Charles Spurgeon

Scripture Reading

John 20:24–29
Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”
Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas,“Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”