The Cross Before Comfort

June 26, 2026

THE MARKS OF JESUS

Galatians 6:17–18 “From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.”

As Paul closes his letter to the church in Galatia, he points to a life shaped by faithfulness to Christ. “I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.” Paul isn’t speaking about religious symbols or mystical experiences. He’s referring to the scars, wounds, and suffering he endured for faithfully preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.

While the false teachers boasted in outward religious marks, Paul bore the marks of a servant who had suffered for the sake of Christ. His life testified to his message. He had been beaten, persecuted, rejected, and opposed, yet he remained faithful.

This is a fitting conclusion to Galatians. Throughout this letter, Paul has defended the gospel of grace against those who sought to add human works to God’s saving plan. He has called believers to stand firm in Christian freedom, walk by the Spirit, and glory only in the cross of Christ.

Now he reminds us that faithfulness to the gospel may come at a cost. Following Jesus isn’t always easy. It may bring misunderstanding, rejection, or opposition, BUT CHRIST IS WORTH IT.

And then Paul ends where he began, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” After all the warnings, corrections, and instructions, Paul’s final word is grace. Grace saved us and grace sustains us, and grace will bring us safely home. This has been the great theme of Galatians from beginning to end. Not law, but grace, not self-effort, but faith. Not human achievement, but Christ.

Stand firm in the gospel of grace. Walk by the Spirit. Glory in the cross. Remain faithful to Christ, whatever the cost. And through it all, never lose sight of the grace that saved you.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for the precious truths we have learned through Galatians. Help us to stand firm in the gospel of grace, walk by Your Spirit, and remain faithful to Christ in every season of life. May we boast only in the cross and depend daily upon Your grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.