FROM THE PASTOR

Did you know that Jesus was crucified with just 3 nails? Archaeological discoveries prove that men who were crucified back in the day had a nail through each of their hands.

But they only had one nail that was driven through both heels at the same time. Most criminals, like the two thieves surrounding Jesus, were placed on a cross with ropes, which were so much easier to make than the 8 inch iron spikes with a flathead that they used to nail the most hardened criminals.

Also, did you know that there were 4 Marys who came to the tomb early that Sunday morning? Along with Johanna and Salome, there was Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of Jesus, Mary, the wife of Joseph, and Mary, the wife of Clopas.

The most interesting thing to me is that our Lord’s mother was there to anoint His body with spices, but no great fanfare is given to her over the other Marys who came. I don’t believe Jesus did this to put her down or put her in her place. I believe that He did this to elevate the status of the rest of us!

One last observation: Jesus has 5 wounds. Did you realize that Thomas said he wouldn’t believe until he was able to thrust his finger through the holes in our Master’s Hands, and thrust his entire hand into the wound in His side made by the soldier’s spear?

In the 1st century, the hand included the wrist and upwards to the middle forearm. I believe that the hole in our Lord’s Hand was actually in His forearm, and that it was large enough for Thomas to put his finger right through the hole! I also believe that from the spear’s thrust, Thomas could reach his entire hand up into His side almost to His heart! His wounds will be the only scars in Heaven.

3 Nails, 4 Marys, and 5 Wounds. How blessed we are!

Randy & Pam