It is surprising how often hands are a part of the story of Jesus’ final hours. With His hands Jesus “laid aside His garments, took a towel…, and poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them” (John 13:4-6).

Jesus revealed His betrayer would be one “who dipped his hand with men in the dish” (Matt. 26:23). He describes these events as “being betrayed into the hands of sinners” (26:45). When the soldiers came they “laid hands on Jesus and took Him” ((26:50). Peter (John 18:10) “stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest” (Matt. 26:51). The vicious, vile hatred that lived in the hearts of the Jewish leaders towards Jesus is displayed as they “beat Him; others struck Him with the palms of their hands” (26:67). Pilate “took water and washed his hands… saying, ‘I am innocent of the blood of this just Person’” (Matt. 27:24). The soldiers, mocking Him as king, put “a reed in His right hand” (27:29).

After His resurrection Jesus proved to His disciples that it was really Him saying, “Behold My hands… Handle Me and see” (Luke 24:39). And, of course, Thomas said, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe” (John 20:25). Eight days later he got the opportunity, confessing, “My Lord and My God!” (20:26-29).

Remember, “Be careful little hands what you do, for the Father up above is looking down in love, so be careful little hands what you do.”