I have had corrective surgery done on both of my hands. I now have full use of my hands, but they have some significant scars. Sometimes I think that I am a walking communion meditation; my scars remind me of the scars on Jesus’ hands.

However, there are some major differences between my wounds and Jesus’. My wounds were made by a compassionate surgeon who used precise surgical instruments. Jesus’ wounds were inflicted by cruel Roman soldiers who used a hammer and rough nails. I enjoyed the best anesthesia available to mankind as my wounds were made. Jesus refused the crude painkiller that was offered to him. My wounds were only for my own benefit. The wounds of Jesus were inflicted upon him in order to save the human race.

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5).