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When I Have Wounds

Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. JOHN 10:7-10 NIV

“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. JOHN 10:1-3 NIV

The healing of our wounds always comes with a cost

His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” Some claimed that he was. Others said, “No, he only looks like him.” But he himself insisted, “I am the man.” JOHN 9:8-9 NIV

Healing our wounds often costs us relationships

Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others asked, “How can a sinner perform such signs?” So they were divided. JOHN 9:16 NIV

“We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind. But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself.” JOHN 9.20-21 NIV

Healing our wounds often costs us our exposure

In what ways are you hiding in your shame?

Jesus, as the gate, allows us to safely expose our wounds

I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. JOHN 10:9 NIV

How do we enter through Him?

Listen to his voice

The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. JOHN 10:3 NIV

Our confidence as sheep is not found in our ability to listen but in his ability to speak

Reflect both on his miracles and on his wounds

He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. ISAIAH 53:3-6 NIV

We can pray, “Jesus, may your wounds heal mine.”

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Take a few moments to slow down and release any burdens you might be carrying from your day, inviting God into this time. When you are ready, ask God to reveal any shame you might be carrying from your wounded places in your heart. As you do, be reminded that Jesus is not afraid of your shame. Hand these places over to Him, inviting His healing touch over them. Next, ask God to breathe His life into these wounds so that you can experience full healing here. Are there any next steps you need to take to experience God’s healing more completely? Write down any steps you sense God is calling you to take and ask Him for the courage to do so this week. Close your time by thanking Jesus for His wounds he bore for you on the cross, and invite His healing touch over your life this week. Write your reflections in the space below, and share them with your small group if you feel comfortable.

Discussion Questions

  1. Imagine yourself sitting with Jesus. Then have someone read ISAIAH 53 NLT slowly, out loud. Consider closing your eyes as you listen, letting the words sink in. Pause afterwards, then read it aloud one more time. What stirred in you as you heard these words read aloud?
  2. When you consider your unhealed wounds, what “great cost” and/or exposure might be delaying you from seeking the healing you need?
  3. Our unaddressed wounds amplify the voice of shame when what we really need is to hear the voice of Jesus telling us a different story. But our confidence is not found in our ability to listen but rather in Jesus’ ability to speak. What helps you hear from Jesus?
  4. Sometimes God actually speaks to you on things you’re not listening for (or things you don’t want to hear). How have you experienced Jesus answering a question you were not asking?
  5. NEXT STEPS: Talk to someone this week about any unaddressed wounds and any healing you might need. It could be right here in your community group, your campus pastor, or you can reach out for more help at sandalschurch.com/help