These Wounds

Zechariah prophesied that someone would ask a prophet, “What are these wounds in thine hands?” He will answer, “Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends” (Zechariah 13:6).

In an 1831 revelation, the Lord expanded on this prophecy. When Jesus Christ returns to the earth, people will ask Him, “What are these wounds in thine hands and in thy feet?” He will reply, “These wounds are the wounds with which I was wounded in the house of my friends. I am he who was lifted up. I am Jesus that was crucified. I am the Son of God” (Doctrine and Covenants 45:51-52, italics added).

When Jesus visited the American continent following His death and resurrection, He wanted the people to be witnesses of His wounds:

Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.

3 Nephi 11:14

His wounds matter, because they symbolize His love for us. He did not have to submit to humiliation, injury, and death. “I lay down my life,” He said. “No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself” (John 10:17-18). His wounds are evidence of His willingness to absorb evil, to turn the other cheek, to bless those that curse Him and do good to those who persecute Him. (See Matthew 5:40, 44, 3 Nephi 12:40, 44.)

Today, I will remember the Savior’s wounds. I will remember and be grateful for His willingness to suffer for me and for all of God’s children.