Scars on the Arms of Love
Preacher: The Rev. Andrew Van Kirk
Scripture: John 20:19-31
Reflection Questions
Thomas missed the first "church service" and the Lord didn't appear to him until he was back in the "society of the disciples." In a world of remote work, online church, and busy weekend schedules (like youth sports or travel), why is physical presence in a community of faith still vital? Have you ever had an experience where "showing up" led to a spiritual breakthrough you would have missed otherwise?
In suburban life and professional environments, there is often a high pressure to project an "unscarred" image—the perfect career, the perfect family, or the perfect retirement. How does the image of a resurrected, healed, yet permanently scarred Jesus challenge the way you view your own vulnerabilities or "failures"?
Are there types of "scars" that feel most present in your professional or social circles right now? How does knowing that Jesus is a "wounded God" change the way you might pray for a colleague or neighbor facing these struggles?
The sermon concludes by saying we have nothing to embrace the world with except our own wounded selves. Think of a "scar" you carry—perhaps a past professional setback or a personal loss. How has that specific wound actually made you more capable of "stretching out your arms of love" to help someone else in your workplace or neighborhood?
