An Easter Devotional for Writers: The Meaning of Jesus’ Hands from Creation to the Cross

From Edie: Discover a powerful Easter devotional for writers exploring the meaning of Jesus’ hands—from creation to the cross and resurrection—and how His story calls us to live with purpose and hope.

An Easter Devotional for Writers: The Meaning of Jesus’ Hands from Creation to the Cross

By Edie Melson @EdieMelson

In this season of Easter, my thoughts have turned to hands.

Of course, you know what started me down that path. The image of Jesus’ nail-scarred palms is everywhere this time of year. We see them in art, in devotionals and in the quiet reflections of our own hearts. But as I consider those precious hands, I’m reminded how the story of our Savior’s hands began long before the cross.

God’s Hands in Creation: The Beginning of Redemption’s Story

I believe we first glimpse the power of His hands stretched over the formless void, speaking creation into existence. With a word—and with purpose—He brought light from darkness, order from chaos, and life where there had been none.

Then we see those same hands, gentle and intentional, shaping His children—man and woman—formed in His image. Crafted with care. Created for relationship.

And then, with heartbreaking clarity, we see those hands again. This time, not creating—but covering. In the Garden of Eden, after sin entered the world, God performed the first sacrifice, providing a covering for His fallen children. Even then, His hands were at work—redeeming, restoring, and making a way.

God Working Through the Hands of His People in the Old Testament

As the Old Testament unfolded, we continued to see the evidence of God’s hands at work—sometimes directly, sometimes through the hands of others.

• Through Noah, He preserved a remnant when the world had gone terribly wrong.
• Through Moses, we see hands raised as the Red Sea parted, delivering God’s people from certain death.
• Through Joshua, Jericho fell. Through Gideon, fear gave way to faith.
• From Elijah to Elisha, Job to Josiah, the fingerprints of God are everywhere—rebuilding, refining, correcting, and renewing those He loves. His hands were never idle. His purpose never paused.

The Hands of Jesus in His Earthly Ministry: Love in Action

And then… everything changed.

God’s Spirit descended and touched a young girl. Mary carried within her the Son of God. And once again, we see the quiet, faithful work of God’s hands through Joseph—protecting, providing, and guiding. Even in the ordinary, God was orchestrating the extraordinary.

When Jesus began His earthly ministry, we once more witnessed the work of those hands.

• He touched the untouchable.
• He lifted the broken.
• He restored sight, healed bodies, and renewed hope.

His hands were love in action—serving and sharing; reaching out and sometimes rebuking; comforting and consoling; protecting and proclaiming—and always forgiving.

The Cross and the Nail-Scarred Hands of Jesus

And then came the moment that defines Easter.

Those same hands—hands that formed the world, healed the sick, and blessed the children—were stretched out on a cross.

Pierced.

His hands took the punishment I deserved.

He was ridiculed and beaten in my place.

Those precious hands ran red as His life was poured out—willingly, sacrificially, completely.

The Resurrection of Jesus: Proof His Hands Are Mighty to Save

But that’s not the end of the story.

Because three days later, those hands were no longer bound by death.

The grave could not hold Him. Sin could not defeat Him. Satan could not claim victory.

Jesus rose—proving once and for all that His hands are mighty to save.

And then, in one of the most beautiful moments in Scripture, He showed those hands to His disciples. Not hidden. Not erased. But glorified—evidence of both sacrifice and victory.

Being the Hands of Jesus Today: A Call to Christian Writers and Believers

And then He did something remarkable.

He commissioned His followers to continue the work of His hands.

That calling hasn’t changed.

Now, we are His hands.

We are the ones called to reach out—letting Him work through us—as we practice love in action. He uses our hands to serve and share, comfort and console, to protect and proclaim truth. We are called to touch the untouchable and bring light into dark places.

An Easter Reflection: How Will We as Writers Use Our Hands for God’s Glory?

Easter is a time to rejoice—deeply, joyfully, wholeheartedly.

But it is also a time to reflect.

A time to remember that the story written in His hands is now being carried out through ours.

So today, as we celebrate Palm Sunday, join me in asking:

How will I use the hands God has given me?

Lord, Your right hand is glorious in power. Lord, Your right hand shattered the enemy. (Exodus 15:6)

And now—by Your grace—let my hands reflect Yours.

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An Easter Devotional for Writers: The Meaning of Jesus’ Hands from Creation to the Cross from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Edie uses the truths God has taught her as an author, photographer, and blogger to encourage others. She’s learned to embrace the ultimate contradiction of being an organized creative. As a sought-after speaker, she’s empowered and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others call on God’s strength during challenging times, often using creativity to empower this connection. She also knows the necessity of Soul Care and leads retreats, conferences, and workshops on ways to use creativity to help strengthen our connection with God. 

She and husband Kirk have been married 44+ years with three grown sons and four grandchildren. They live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and can often be found with their big black dog hiking the mountains.