The Hands

They told [Thomas], “We have seen the Lord!”But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.”
Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”
“My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed.
Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”
John 20:25-29

There is a part of the Easter Story to which we don't give a lot of thought.  We know that Jesus died for us.  We know He was brutalized for us.  We know that He fulfilled the requirement of the Law.  But today, let's focus on something....the Hands.

The hands of Christ learned carpentry skills from Joseph. They were most likely rough and calloused, because carpentry work during His day did not include running to be Home Depot or Lowe's for lumber and supplies.  Carpentry was a skill.  Jesus' hands most likely had their share of splinters too.

The hands of Christ wrote in the dirt a message that saved the life of a woman caught in the very act of adultery.

The hands of Christ broke the bread and fish that fed 5,000 people.  The hands of Christ broke the bread at the last supper.

The hands of Christ reached out and pulled Peter out of the sea, saving him from drowning.

The hands of Christ shared meals with sinners!

The hands of Christ washed the feet of His Disciples.  ALL of them!

The hands of Christ touched lepers to heal them.

The hands of Christ carried the cross.

The hands of Christ healed Peter's Mother-in-Law.

The hands of Christ cooked breakfast for his Disciples.

The hands of Christ also welcome us!

Do our hands reflect Him?