The image of Jesus with the wounds on his hands and feet is a common depiction from the Renaissance to the present day. The wounds are a symbol of the Passion of Christ – the pain and suffering he endured on behalf of others. According to the Gospel of John, Thomas the Apostle doubted the resurrection of Jesus, saying, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (John 20:25)
Jesus was mocked by the Roman soldiers, and he became a victim of a gruesome execution. He was nailed to the cross and suffered unspeakable agonies. But through his death, the world was able to receive a gift; the redemption of sins. The Holy One who bore the sins of the world was, through his death, anointed with the power to forgive our sins.
For many Christians, the wounds of the crucifixion are a very personal and powerful symbol of their faith, and they often include them in their prayers. The wounds remind them of Christ’s glory and his victory over death and sin. They also serve as a reminder of the sufferings of the world, which Jesus bore for us, and the compassion that he instills upon our hearts.
The wounds of Jesus also show that he was truly human. The physical wounds were a very real sign of the pain that he endured. Despite his divine nature, he was able to physically feel the pain inflicted by his executioners and the agony of his own death. This also serves as a message of hope, in that we can find comfort in knowing that God, in Jesus, understands our suffering and is aware of our pains.
In many ways, the wounds of Jesus are a symbol of the connection between God and humanity. According to the Gospel of Matthew, the moment that Jesus died, the temple curtain “was torn in two from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.” (Matthew 28:51) This signalled a breaking down of the boundaries that separated God from humanity, and the opening of the doors to our salvation.
The wounds of Jesus also inspire individuals to greater acts of charity and sacrifice. Seeing how much Jesus went through on our behalf, and how much he has forgiven, his followers are inspired to strive to do good and help others. This is why many Christians devote themselves to a life of humanitarian work, charity, and forgiveness.
In conclusion, the wounds of the crucified Jesus hold immense power in the hearts of Christians around the world. They are a symbol of the suffering, sacrifice, and redemption that Jesus brought to humanity. They represent the breaking down of the barriers between God and humanity, and the doorway to our salvation. The wounds of Jesus also serve as a reminder of Jesus’ humanity and his connection to the sufferings of the world. May we always remember the sacred wounds of the crucified Jesus, and let them be a guide on our journey towards redemption and forgiveness.