Glory in the Scars: Boasting in Christ's Resurrection

The Lord is risen, indeed! Today, we reflect on the profound significance of Jesus' scars after His resurrection. These scars are not defects but features that tell the story of His love for sinners. When Jesus appeared to His disciples, He showed them His hands and feet, confirming His identity and the reality of His resurrection. The scars were a testament to His sacrifice, a reminder that He died not for His own sins but for ours. They are marks of Easter glory, transforming the horror of the crucifixion into the good news of Good Friday.

As we conclude our series on Galatians, we see Paul drawing a parallel between his own scars and those of Jesus. Paul bore the marks of Jesus on his body, scars from his sufferings for the sake of the gospel. These scars were not a testament to his own work but to the work of Christ. Paul’s final argument in Galatians is a powerful reminder of the cost of preaching the cross and the resurrection.

Humans are born to boast, but Jesus turns our boasting upside down. We are called to boast not in ourselves but in the cross of Christ. This boasting is not about outward appearances or personal achievements but about the worth and beauty of Jesus. The cross, once a symbol of shame, becomes the centerpiece of our faith. It is through the cross that we find our true identity and purpose.

On Easter Sunday, we also boast in the resurrection. This is not a boast of self-glorification but a humble, Christ-centered boast. The resurrection is the first act of the new creation, a testament to God’s power and initiative. It is a reminder that we are new creatures in Christ, living by faith and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

As we come to the table, we remember that Jesus is alive. His resurrection not only fulfilled God’s promises but also means that we can know and enjoy Him. We commune with the risen Christ, whose glorified scars continue to proclaim the gospel invitation. Let us glory in these scars forever.

Key Takeaways

• 1. centered boast. The resurrection is the first act of the new creation, a testament to God’s power and initiative. It reminds us that we are new creatures in Christ, living by faith. [29:17]
  5. Communion with the Risen Christ: As we come to the table, we remember that Jesus is alive. His resurrection means we can know and enjoy Him. We commune with the risen Christ, whose glorified scars continue to proclaim the gospel invitation.
  
  ** [29:17]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:11] - The Significance of Jesus' Scars
• [01:22] - Confirmation and Surprise of the Scars
• [02:26] - The Resurrection Body
• [03:24] - Marks of Love and Assurance
• [04:01] - Paul's Gospel Scars
• [05:01] - Paul's Sufferings for Christ
• [06:23] - Paul's Final Argument
• [07:32] - Humans Born to Boast
• [10:03] - Sinful Boasting
• [12:50] - What Not to Boast In
• [16:21] - Jesus Turns Boasting Upside Down
• [18:15] - Boasting in the Cross
• [22:25] - The Heart of Our Faith
• [29:17] - Boasting in the Resurrection
• [38:17] - Communion with the Risen Christ

1. Luke 24:38-40
2. John 20:27
3. Galatians 6:17

1. What was the reaction of the disciples when Jesus first appeared to them after His resurrection, and how did Jesus address their doubts? ([00:53])
2. How does Paul describe his own physical scars in relation to Jesus' scars, and what do they signify? ([04:15])
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus' scars on His resurrection body? ([03:24])
4. What does Paul mean when he says that humans are "born to boast," and how does this relate to our natural inclinations? ([07:50])

1. How do Jesus' scars serve as both a confirmation and a surprise to the disciples and to us today? What does this reveal about the nature of His resurrection? ([02:26])
2. In what ways do Paul's scars serve as a testament to his ministry and the message of the gospel? How might this challenge our understanding of suffering for faith? ([05:38])
3. How does the concept of boasting in the cross of Christ differ from the natural human tendency to boast in personal achievements? ([18:15])
4. What does it mean to boast in the resurrection, and how does this boast differ from worldly boasting? ([29:17])

1. Reflect on a time when you felt ashamed of a personal "scar" or failure. How might viewing it as a testament to God's work in your life change your perspective? ([03:24])
2. Paul bore physical scars for the sake of the gospel. What are some ways you might be called to bear "scars" or make sacrifices in your own life for your faith? ([05:38])
3. Consider the things you naturally boast about. How can you shift your focus to boast in the cross of Christ instead? What practical steps can you take to make this change? ([18:15])
4. How does the resurrection of Jesus empower you to live as a new creation? Identify one area of your life where you can embrace this new identity more fully. ([29:17])
5. As you come to the communion table, how can you deepen your understanding and experience of communing with the risen Christ? What specific actions can you take to prepare your heart for this encounter? ([38:17])
6. In what ways can you incorporate the message of Jesus' scars and resurrection into your daily conversations with others? How can this message serve as an invitation to those who do not yet know Christ? ([03:43])
7. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel weak or inadequate. How can you boast in your weaknesses, allowing the power of Christ to be evident in your life? ([25:39])