BRAND-MARKS OF JESUS

          In Galatia, the apostle Paul’s authority was being questioned by detractors claiming that he was a sub-standard apostle, not on the same level as Peter, James and John.  Paul dismisses their charges as nonsense, closing his epistle to the Galatians with strong words:  from now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I BEAR ON MY BODY THE BRAND-MARKS OF JESUS (Gal.6:17).  While Paul is likely using the word “stigma” (brand-marks) in a metaphorical sense, he could have also made the case that he literally bore the brand-marks of Jesus.  cf. 1Cor.4:9-13 & 6:4-6 and 2Cor.11:22ff.  Indeed, as a bond-servant of Jesus Christ (Rom.1:1; Gal.1:10 & Philp.1:1), the apostle Paul bore the embossed brand-marks of His beloved Master. 

          Although we’re now long removed from the days of the first-century, is there any sense in which we today bear the brand-marks of Jesus?  A doubting Thomas once said to his fellow apostles, “Unless I see in Him hands the imprint of the nails…I will not believe” (Jn.20:25).  To a very large extent, and legitimately so, this is what our watching world is saying to each of us as Christians - - Unless I see in your hands the print of the nails, I will not believe.  As Campbell Morgan noted, “It is the crucified man that can preach Christ.”  A disciple must be like His teacher (Mt.10:25).

          Can others see His prints in us in the way we speak (Col.4:6); in the way we walk (1Jn.2:6); in the things we value (Lk.12:14); and in the way we give (2Cor.9:6-8 and 8:1-2)?  This topic demands exploration and application.  In all we do in word and deed, do we bear the brand-marks of Jesus in our daily life?  Can others truly see Christ in me?  Do I have the mind and attitude of Christ?   While we are not THE SAVIOR of the world, we will undermine the work of our Savior if the world cannot see His prints in us.