THE HANDS OF CHRIST

“So the other disciples told Thomas, ‘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, the 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.’”  (John 20:25-27 ESV)

These hands fed the multitude but gave them more than bread.  These hands healed the sick, but gave them more than health.  These hands touched the sinner, but gave him more than encouragement.  These hands expressed the pity of God, as well as the suffering of the Son of man.  He who began to identify Himself with us in baptism, identifies Himself with us in our sorrows and makes us whole.

These hands began no economic reform, initiated no political action, started no social transformation.  These hands were given over to His enemies, laid on a cross, pierced by nails, torn in agony, hurt for a wearisome world.  Even the resurrected Jesus bears the nail prints in His hands for all to see. 

-- H. S. Vigeveno in “Jesus the Revolutionary”  [1966]

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