The Hands of Jesus: Creation, Healing, and Invitation

Summary

In the 20th chapter of the Book of John, we encounter Thomas, one of the twelve disciples, who doubted the resurrection of Jesus until he could see and touch the wounds of Christ. This narrative invites us to reflect on the significance of Jesus' hands, which are mentioned numerous times throughout the Bible. Our hands are incredibly versatile, capable of a wide range of actions, from creating to healing. Similarly, the hands of Jesus are depicted in the Gospels as instruments of creation, healing, compassion, blessing, suffering, and invitation.

Firstly, the creating hands of Jesus remind us that all things were made by Him. The vastness of the universe, from the mountains to the galaxies, was crafted by His hands. This creative power is a testament to His divine nature and authority. Secondly, the healing hands of Jesus demonstrate His compassion and power to restore. Whether it was touching a leper or healing the blind, His hands brought physical and spiritual healing. This healing is available to us today, as Jesus seeks to mend the brokenness in our lives.

The hands of compassion reveal Jesus' deep empathy for humanity. He fed the hungry and wept over Jerusalem, showing that His heart is moved by our suffering. His hands also extend blessings, as He welcomed children and blessed them, illustrating the openness and love He offers to all who come to Him with childlike faith. The suffering hands of Jesus, marked by the nails of the crucifixion, are a profound symbol of His sacrifice. On the cross, He bore the sins of the world, demonstrating the depth of God's love and the necessity of His sacrifice for our salvation.

Finally, the knocking hand of Jesus is an invitation. He stands at the door of our hearts, waiting for us to open and invite Him in. This requires a personal decision, an act of will to receive Him as Savior and Lord. His outstretched hands offer love, forgiveness, and a transformed life. Jesus calls us to respond, to let Him into our lives, and to experience the fullness of His grace and mercy.

Key Takeaways:

- The Creative Power of Jesus' Hands: The hands of Jesus are not only a symbol of His humanity but also of His divine power. They crafted the universe, flinging galaxies into space, and remind us of His authority over all creation. This creative power is a testament to His divine nature and authority. [06:00]

- Healing and Restoration: Jesus' hands brought healing to the sick and broken, demonstrating His compassion and power to restore. His touch healed lepers and gave sight to the blind, showing that His healing is available to us today, mending the brokenness in our lives. [08:29]

- Compassionate and Blessing Hands: Jesus' hands are a symbol of His deep empathy and love for humanity. He fed the hungry and blessed children, illustrating the openness and love He offers to all who come to Him with childlike faith. [10:54]

- Suffering and Sacrifice: The suffering hands of Jesus, marked by the nails of the crucifixion, are a profound symbol of His sacrifice. On the cross, He bore the sins of the world, demonstrating the depth of God's love and the necessity of His sacrifice for our salvation. [14:01]

- Invitation to Open the Door: Jesus stands at the door of our hearts, knocking and waiting for us to invite Him in. This requires a personal decision, an act of will to receive Him as Savior and Lord. His outstretched hands offer love, forgiveness, and a transformed life. [16:42]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:42] - Thomas' Doubt and Faith
- [02:42] - The Versatility of Human Hands
- [03:16] - Everyday Expressions with Hands
- [04:41] - A Personal Story of Hands
- [06:00] - The Creating Hands of Jesus
- [07:37] - The Healing Hands of Jesus
- [08:29] - Jesus' Touch on the Leper
- [09:29] - Healing the Hurts in Our Lives
- [10:54] - The Compassionate Hands of Jesus
- [12:29] - The Suffering Hands of Jesus
- [14:01] - The Love of God on the Cross
- [15:26] - The Only Way of Salvation
- [16:42] - The Knocking Hand of Jesus
- [19:03] - Personal Stories of Conversion
- [20:22] - The Outstretched Hands of Jesus
- [23:31] - Invitation to Receive Christ

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- John 20:24-29
- Colossians 1:15-16
- Revelation 3:20

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#### Observation Questions
1. In John 20:24-29, what was Thomas's initial reaction to the news of Jesus' resurrection, and what did he require to believe? [01:42]
2. How does the sermon describe the versatility of human hands, and what are some examples given? [02:42]
3. According to Colossians 1:15-16, what role do Jesus' hands play in creation?
4. What are some of the actions Jesus performed with His hands as mentioned in the sermon? [06:00]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Thomas's doubt and eventual belief teach us about faith and the evidence we seek in our spiritual lives? [01:42]
2. How does the sermon illustrate the significance of Jesus' hands in demonstrating His divine nature and authority? [06:00]
3. In what ways do the compassionate and healing hands of Jesus reflect His empathy and love for humanity? [10:54]
4. How does Revelation 3:20 depict Jesus' invitation to individuals, and what does this suggest about personal decision in faith?

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you, like Thomas, struggled with doubt. What helped you move from doubt to belief, and how can you apply that experience to current challenges? [01:42]
2. The sermon highlights the creative power of Jesus' hands. How can recognizing Jesus' authority over creation influence your perspective on the challenges you face? [06:00]
3. Jesus' hands brought healing and restoration. Is there an area in your life where you need healing? How can you invite Jesus to mend that brokenness? [08:29]
4. Consider the compassionate actions of Jesus. How can you extend compassion and empathy to someone in need this week? [10:54]
5. The sermon speaks of Jesus' suffering hands as a symbol of sacrifice. How does understanding His sacrifice impact your view of personal sacrifices you might need to make? [14:01]
6. Revelation 3:20 describes Jesus knocking at the door of our hearts. What steps can you take to ensure you are open to His invitation and guidance in your daily life?
7. Think about the outstretched hands of Jesus offering love and forgiveness. Is there someone you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from? How can you take a step towards reconciliation this week? [20:22]

Devotional

Day 1: The Divine Craftsmanship of Jesus' Hands
The hands of Jesus are a profound symbol of His divine authority and creative power. From the vastness of the universe to the intricate details of nature, everything was crafted by His hands. This creative power is not just a testament to His divinity but also a reminder of His sovereignty over all creation. As we reflect on the creative hands of Jesus, we are invited to marvel at the beauty and complexity of the world around us, recognizing that it is all a reflection of His glory and majesty. The same hands that flung galaxies into space are at work in our lives, shaping and molding us into His image. [06:00]

Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Reflection: Consider a part of creation that fills you with awe. How does recognizing Jesus as the Creator of this aspect of the world deepen your understanding of His power and presence in your life?

Day 2: The Restorative Touch of Jesus' Hands
Jesus' hands are a powerful symbol of healing and restoration. Throughout the Gospels, we see Him reaching out to those who are sick, broken, and marginalized, offering them physical and spiritual healing. His touch brought sight to the blind, cleansed lepers, and even raised the dead. This same healing power is available to us today, as Jesus seeks to mend the brokenness in our lives. Whether we are struggling with physical ailments, emotional wounds, or spiritual struggles, we can trust that His hands are capable of bringing restoration and wholeness. [08:29]

Mark 1:40-42 (ESV): "And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, 'If you will, you can make me clean.' Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, 'I will; be clean.' And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean."

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you need healing. How can you invite Jesus to touch and restore this part of your life today?

Day 3: The Compassionate Embrace of Jesus' Hands
The hands of Jesus are a testament to His deep empathy and love for humanity. He fed the hungry, welcomed children, and wept over the suffering of others. His hands extended blessings and compassion to all who came to Him with childlike faith. This openness and love are available to us today, inviting us to come to Him with our burdens and receive His comfort and care. As we reflect on the compassionate hands of Jesus, we are reminded of His unwavering love and the invitation to experience His grace and mercy. [10:54]

Matthew 19:13-14 (ESV): "Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.'"

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who needs compassion and love. How can you extend the hands of Jesus to them today?

Day 4: The Sacrificial Wounds of Jesus' Hands
The suffering hands of Jesus, marked by the nails of the crucifixion, are a profound symbol of His sacrifice. On the cross, He bore the sins of the world, demonstrating the depth of God's love and the necessity of His sacrifice for our salvation. These wounds are a reminder of the cost of our redemption and the incredible love that Jesus has for each of us. As we reflect on the suffering hands of Jesus, we are invited to consider the magnitude of His sacrifice and the call to live in response to His love and grace. [14:01]

Isaiah 53:5 (ESV): "But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed."

Reflection: Reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for you. How does His love and sacrifice inspire you to live differently today?

Day 5: The Inviting Gesture of Jesus' Hands
Jesus stands at the door of our hearts, knocking and waiting for us to invite Him in. His outstretched hands offer love, forgiveness, and a transformed life. This invitation requires a personal decision, an act of will to receive Him as Savior and Lord. As we consider the knocking hand of Jesus, we are reminded of the opportunity to experience the fullness of His grace and mercy. He calls us to respond, to open the door of our hearts, and to allow Him to transform our lives from the inside out. [16:42]

Revelation 3:20 (ESV): "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have not fully opened the door to Jesus? What steps can you take today to invite Him into this area and experience His transforming presence?

Quotes

1) "Blessed are they. Blessed are they in 1977. Blessed are they that have not seen. They have not been able to touch my body. They have not been able to see the nail prints in my hand. They have not been able to see the place where I was pierced by the spear. But they believe anyway. There's a special blessing and a special reward for them because they have to come by sheer faith. You have seen and felt and touched as well as believed." [01:42] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "The healing hands of the Lord Jesus Christ. And he uses your hands as you minister. The hands of a doctor, the hands of a nurse, the hands of a social worker, the hands of. Of the clergyman, the hands of the psychiatrist or the psychologist to talk to you, to heal you, to help you. But there's the hands of Jesus to heal your heart, to heal your mind, to heal your soul, to heal your body, if he wills." [07:37] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "The healing touch of the hand of Jesus. Remember when he went to Peter's home? Peter's mother in law was sick nigh unto death. Jesus went in and took her by the hand. She got up and began to wait on the tables. The healing touch of Jesus. The man born blind. Jesus calls him to get a little dust from the earth, collects the saliva and puts it in the dust and makes a little salve and puts it on his eyes with his hands. And he's healed. The touch of the hand of the Lord Jesus Christ in healing." [09:29] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "And then fourthly, there's the hand of blessing. Verily, I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took up the little children, and the scripture says he blessed them. I see little children here tonight. You may have gray hair, and you may have a bald head, but in God's sight, you're a little child. And Jesus wants to take you in his arms and love you and bless you and change you and make you a new person and make your home a new place and give you hope and purpose and meaning for life, if you'll let him." [10:54] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "The suffering hands of Jesus. And this is the thing we will be most impressed with when we see him in heaven. Because, you see, when we get to heaven, we're going to find that his hands suffered when they drove those nails in, and then when they picked him up and hung him between heaven and earth, and the terrible jolt that tore his hands and the wound was so great that Thomas could put his own hands in those holes. And Jesus will wear those scars for eternity." [12:29] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "The third thing I see in the suffering hands is that it's the only way of salvation. Neither is there salvation in any other except through the name of Jesus. You can't be saved by your works. You can't buy your way. It's not for sale. But Christ offers it to you from the cross. It was the blood that was shed. Without the shedding of blood, there's no forgiveness, the scripture says, and he shed his blood on that cross for you, and it's the only way." [15:26] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7) "Why doesn't he just push the door open and come in and save me? He never interferes with your will. You have a will of your own. That's the way he made you. He made you in his image. You can reject him. You can go to your grave rejecting Christ, and there's nothing God can do about it. He'll do everything in his power to warn you. He'll do everything in his power to bring incidents across your path to stop you. But he won't trespass on your will. That's something you have to decide." [17:44] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8) "And then sixthly, there's the outstretched hands of the Lord Jesus, stretching his hands for you and saying, jim, Bill, Susie, Mary, I love you. I died for you. Come, let me put my arm around you. Let me be your brother. Let me be your husband, your wife. Let me be all that you need in your soul, in your heart and your mind. Because, you see, it's not just to save you from sin and save you for eternity, but it's to save you right now, to walk with you. He'll free you tonight if you'll let him." [20:22] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?