From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. (Galatians 6:17)

Bearing The Marks Of Jesus

The apostle Paul lived a remarkable life. From his informative years to adulthood, Paul (Saul) was a devoted Jew to the keeping of the Law. His life changed when he persecuted the disciples of a teacher named Jesus and met the Lord on the road to Damascus. Paul was going to Damascus to arrest any followers of Jesus he could find. Three days later, Paul was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. He would devote his life to the gospel of Christ and die for his Lord and Master, Jesus of Nazareth.

Paul endured many conflicts and persecutions during his ministry of spreading the gospel. His body bore the marks of stripes from beatings. Five times, he was beaten by the Jews, who inflicted 39 stripes each time. On three occasions, he was beaten with rods. When Paul preached at Lystra, the people took him out of the city and stoned him, leaving him for dead. His body was wracked from the shipwrecks, perils, weariness, hunger, thirst, cold, and nakedness. One could not help but see the cost Paul paid to devote his life to the cause of Christ.

Paul’s physical sufferings were evident as he bore in his body the marks of Jesus Christ. Paul was not ashamed of his marks of agony when compared to what Jesus endured. Nothing could conquer Paul’s spirit to live for Christ and preach his name. He spent many long weeks in prison but never gave up hope. When he faced certain death, he confided in Timothy of his expectant hope and joy for the crown that awaited him. Paul bore the marks of Jesus on his body not to brag but to testify. His life was not easy. He grew up in opulence but was willing to die in poverty to serve his Lord. The marks that covered his body were his testimony of God’s grace.

There were many years when the followers of Christ suffered at the hands of those who tried to destroy the church. The faithful saints of God endured the suffering in this present world to attain the glories of the world beyond. Their sufferings were real and harsh. In a time of peace, little suffering inflicts the church of the Lord making the heart complacent and lax. Paul’s bold assertion of bearing the marks of Jesus bears scrutiny in the church today. If God’s people were beaten for assembling together to remember the memorial of Christ, how many would show up? Excuses are given as to why service to God is lacking, and none are about physical persecution. Christianity can become a means of worship according to convenience rather than conviction.

The question that must be answered is how far will the child of God go to bear the evidence they belong to the Son of God? Living in a country without persecution in a time of prosperity can damage the view of living with the marks of Jesus. Faithfulness is not being faithful only in times of persecution. There are many excuses given why God’s people will not and cannot serve the Lord and they bring shame to the name of Christ. Standing for truth is allowing the Bible to speak the truth. This will be against the norms of society. Questions of morality are shaded so feelings are not hurt. There is an acceptance of immoral behavior lest conflict arise. Marriage questions refuse to be answered so families will not be broken up.

It is impossible to live in the world and not suffer persecution. If a child of God never faces difficult decisions about choices relating to the word of God and the norms of society, they have become friends with the world and enemies of God. Paul reminds Timothy that all who desire to live godly will suffer persecution. The body may not bear the marks of beatings (like Paul), but if the life of the Christian does not bear the marks of devotion to the Lord, there is no blessing from God. Paul gloried he was able to suffer for Jesus – it was the least he could do for his Lord. What am I willing to do for Jesus?