May 14, 2026

Today's Reading: Mark 16:14-20 or Luke 24:44-53

Daily Lectionary: Numbers 11:1-23, 31-35; Luke 17:1-19

“And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them.While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven.” (Luke 24:50-51)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

If your hands could talk, what story would they tell? They might tell a story of aching, cramping pain after taking a long test. Perhaps they would tell a story filled with warmth and joy around a campfire with family or friends. Or maybe they tell a love story as husband and wife walk hand in hand.

But what about Jesus? If his hands could talk, what story would they tell? Thankfully, we don’t have to wonder. Jesus’ holy, precious palms tell the story of his promises made and kept for you. The story of your salvation is written by and in the holy hands of Jesus.

After all, he who fashioned and formed Adam out of the dust of the earth also was incarnate of the Virgin Mary. He is flesh of our flesh. Bone of our bone. Hand of our hand, yet without the blackspot of sin-stained hands.

He who fearfully and wonderfully formed you in your mother’s womb - hands and all - also wriggled and wiggled his infant hands as Mary wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger.

He who painted the starry skies above and made the earth his canvas also reached out his hands to cleanse, heal, and raise from the dead.

He who spread out his hands in the wilderness and rained down manna and quail from heaven also broke bread on the hillside and in the Upper Room.

He who inhabits the heavenly and holy temple built without hands, also inhabits and takes on human flesh, hands and all. Jesus’ hands reached out in blessing. Jesus’ hands took bread and broke it, and gave it, saying, “Take, eat, this is my body.” Jesus’ hands lifted a cup and said, “Take, drink; this is my blood.” Jesus’ hands prayed in Gethsemane. Shook at the violence of Good Friday. Were driven through by nails. Blood poured from his hands. Life left his hands. The darkness of the tomb covered his hands. And then, his hands had more to say. A good and gracious story to tell: Peace be with you. Crucified hands for you. Scarred hands for you. Risen and glorified hands for you. And now at his ascension, Jesus raises his hands once again in blessing. For his disciples. For you.

When it comes to Jesus' hands, he has a gracious grip on you. A holy hold on your life. Indeed, he’s got the whole world - including you - in his pierced hands.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Be now our joy on earth, O Lord, And be our future great reward. Alleluia, alleluia! Then, throned with You forever, we Shall praise Your name eternally. Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! (LSB 493:5)

Rev. Samuel Schuldheisz, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton, WA.