In Luke 24:40, after His resurrection, Jesus showed His disciples His hands, saying, “See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see” (NASB). These hands, pierced by nails, were a profound testament to His love, sacrifice, and humanity. The hands of Jesus are not just physical markers of His crucifixion—they embody the character and mission of the Savior. In this article, we will explore the lessons we can draw from His hands, focusing on their significance in His earthly life, His ministry, and their eternal meaning for us.
1. Human Hands: Fully Man, Fully God
Jesus’ hands were human hands. Though He was fully divine, He became one of us, taking on human flesh. Hebrews 2:14-15 explains, “Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, so that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil” (NASB). Jesus entered our world as a true man, experiencing the struggles and joys of human life.
With these hands, He wept with the grieving and rejoiced with the joyful. At the wedding in Cana, He blessed the union (John 2:1-11), and at the tomb of Lazarus, His compassion moved Him to tears (John 11:35). His humanity was evident in every gesture, showing that He could empathize with our struggles. His life exemplified integrity and courage, never wavering in standing for righteousness and truth.
2. Pure Hands: Without Sin
Though fully human, Jesus’ hands were spotless. He claimed sinlessness, and this claim was confirmed by His life. Peter testifies, “He committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth” (1 Peter 2:22, NASB). Even His enemies could find no fault in Him. Pilate declared, “I find no guilt in Him” (John 19:6, NASB).
Unlike every other human, Jesus remained pure despite experiencing temptation. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us, “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin” (NASB). His purity sets Him apart as the perfect Savior, able to offer His life as a spotless sacrifice for the sins of the world.
3. Calloused Hands: A Life of Labor
Jesus’ hands were calloused from years of honest work. As the carpenter’s son (Mark 6:3), He labored alongside His earthly father, Joseph, until He began His public ministry. His life demonstrates the dignity of work and the value of serving others through simple, everyday tasks. He identified with the struggles of laborers, becoming their brother in toil.
Even in heaven, Jesus remains the compassionate friend of workers. As He labored for thirty years in obscurity before His ministry, He reminds us of the value of quiet faithfulness. His calloused hands signify His identification with the everyday challenges of human life and His commitment to serving others.
4. Strong Hands: Full of Authority
Jesus’ hands were strong, not with brute strength but with authority and power. He used His hands to heal the sick, calm storms, and feed multitudes. With a touch, He restored sight to the blind (Mark 8:25) and cleansed lepers (Matthew 8:3). His hands demonstrated the power of God’s kingdom breaking into the world.
Moreover, His hands carried the authority of divine judgment. John 5:22 declares, “For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son” (NASB). Yet, this authority is balanced with grace and compassion, as His hands are extended in both healing and salvation.
5. Friendly Hands: Always Serving
Jesus’ hands were the hands of a servant. In John 13, He knelt before His disciples, washing their feet with His own hands, saying, “If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14, NASB). This act of humility illustrates His constant readiness to serve others.
His hands were always employed in doing good, showing kindness to those in need. Acts 10:38 describes Him as one “who went about doing good” (NASB). His life was a continual outpouring of love, meeting the physical and spiritual needs of those around Him.
6. Wounded Hands: The Price of Salvation
The wounds in Jesus’ hands tell the story of His sacrifice. Isaiah 53:5 prophesies, “But He was pierced for our offenses, He was crushed for our wrongdoings; the punishment for our well-being was laid upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed” (NASB). These wounds are the marks of His love, evidence of the price He paid for our redemption.
On the cross, His hands were stretched out, bearing the weight of our sins. John 3:16 captures this love: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life” (NASB). His wounded hands offer forgiveness and eternal life to all who come to Him in faith.
7. Uplifted Hands: Interceding for Us
Even now, Jesus’ hands are uplifted in intercession. Hebrews 7:25 tells us, “Therefore He is also able to save forever those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (NASB). His hands, once pierced for our transgressions, now advocate on our behalf before the Father.
This is a source of comfort and hope for believers. No matter our struggles or failures, Jesus’ uplifted hands remind us that He continually pleads for us, offering grace and mercy in our time of need.
8. Outstretched Hands: A Call to Come
Jesus’ hands are outstretched in invitation. In Matthew 11:28, He says, “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (NASB). His invitation is open to all, offering rest for the weary and salvation for the lost.
These hands demonstrate His infinite patience. He waits for us to respond, always ready to welcome us into His embrace. The outstretched hands of Jesus are a picture of His love and longing for us to be in relationship with Him.
Conclusion: Will You Take His Hand?
The hands of Jesus teach us about His humanity, His purity, His sacrifice, and His love. They remind us of the work He accomplished on earth and the salvation He offers to all. Today, His hands are extended to you. Will you clasp His hand, accepting the gift of salvation and committing your life to Him? Let the hands of Jesus guide, heal, and lead you into a deeper relationship with the Savior who loves you more than you can imagine.
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