The Strength of His Marks - The Christian Online Magazine

mpitts@byu.net

I recently spent some time in Jerusalem. What an amazing place! Despite the obvious political and religious turmoil, I felt the intense undertones of spiritual devotion which were prominent within the city. I relished in the opportunity to visit the sacred sights which pertained to Christ’s life, but mostly I felt anticipation and honor to traverse the locations of His eminent and promised coming. I considered the Biblical prophecies of His descent from heaven and I tried to picture just what it would be like. I think that most Christians envision Christ touching down upon the Mount of Olives clothed in glory and displaying the marks of the nails in His hands and His feet. I have long since understood that the signs of Christ’s crucifixion are immeasurably important in proclaiming his conquest over death – a key element of His atonement. As I picture the culmination of final events, and Christ’s advent into this world, I am sure that His marks will play a key role.

Let us consider first the Jewish people. In the Old Testament, a prophecy is recorded by the prophet Zechariah, in which he interprets the future events in question. A Messiah will appear and the Jews will rejoice His coming, yet there will arise one small point of confusion. "What are these wounds in thine hands?" one will ask of their Messiah. Christ’s answer will bring with it a complete revolution of understanding, "Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends" (Zechariah 13:6). Keep in mind that Jesus’ return will appear in every way to be the coming of the long-awaited Jewish Messiah. He will come in great glory offering immediate respite to war. The marks in Christ’s hands and feet will however allow the Jewish people to realize that the Messiah of the world came long, long ago – and He is back.

Those who have made pilgrimage to Jerusalem will attest that the demographics are by no means 100% Jewish. Jerusalem is a city shared with the Arab people, the vast majority of which are adherents of Islam. Surely there will be thousands of Muslims present at the arrival of Christ. Where do they fit into the future construct? Just like the Jews, Muslims will be convinced of the truthfulness of their traditions as they observe Jesus descend. Muslims world-wide believe in the apocalyptical coming of a religious figure called the Mahdi. The Mahdi will usher in the end of times and put in motion the final events as described in Islamic theology. Interestingly enough, Sunni Muslims, which constitute about 80% of Muslims world-wide, and nearly 100% of Muslims in Palestine, believe that none other than Jesus son of Mary will be the Mahdi! All will appear just as scripted until they as well notice something troubling. You see, Muslims believe that Jesus was an important and powerful prophet, but they do not believe that He was crucified. It is blasphemous to consider that Allah would allow the slaughter of His chosen prophet in such a manner. Once again, the scars on the hands and feet of the Savior will play an important role. They will attest to the truth – that the Lamb was slaughtered for the sins of the world. That He is more than just a prophet.

That moment of apocalyptic resolution will be anticipated by many of conflicting faiths. Due to the nature of conflicting beliefs, certain expectations will be fulfilled and others will simultaneously be shattered. One thing is for certain though, the scars of Christ will speak a thousand words. What words will they, and do they speak to us? Christ sacrificed Himself so that all might come unto Him – including those who now reject His divinity. Christ’s decision to retain His marks is representative of His nature of perfect long-suffering. When dealing with other faiths, this is a lesson which we as Christians need to take from our master. In the final days, Christ’s marks and His glory will not allow man, of any faith, to demote Him from His intended place. This, and not hatred or even dispute, should be the subject of our dialogue when conversing with those of conflicting beliefs.