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About the Hymns: Behold the Wounds in Jesus’ Hands

“About the Hymns: Behold the Wounds in Jesus’ Hands,” About the Hymns (2025)

About the Hymns

Behold the Wounds in Jesus’ Hands

The Savior, Jesus Christ, often used the word “behold” to invite us to look closely and open our minds and hearts to what He was about to teach. In this hymn, author John V. Pearson invites us to behold in our mind’s eye the marks that the Savior’s body bears—visible reminders of His atoning love.

In verse 1 of Brother Pearson’s hymn, the words “Christ from wood and nails built mansions for us all” poetically remind us that Christ’s death on the cross opened the way to eternal life. As the Savior told His disciples: “In my Father’s house are many mansions. … I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). In verse 2, we see the Savior’s hands not only wounded but outstretched to raise and comfort us and, ultimately, to receive us into His eternal rest. Verse 3 invites us to look to the Savior for forgiveness and healing. And in verse 4, we anticipate the day when, seeing for ourselves the wounds the Savior suffered for us, we will fall at His feet and worship Him.

Brother Pearson wrote hundreds of hymn texts in his lifetime and sang in The Tabernacle Choir for many years. The music for this hymn was composed by David R. Naylor, who also sang in The Tabernacle Choir.

Find lyrics, sheet music, and recordings for Behold the Wounds in Jesus’ Hands

Scriptures

Principles

  • Jesus Christ suffered and was crucified for the sins of all God’s children.

  • The scriptures record that many witnesses of the resurrected Jesus Christ have seen and touched the marks of crucifixion in His hands and feet.

  • Jesus Christ desires to help us repent and be healed.

  • When we allow our hearts to be changed by Jesus Christ, we will seek to worship Him in humility.

  • Remembering Jesus Christ’s sacrifice invites the Spirit to testify of Him in our hearts and minds.

Questions to Ponder

  • What do you feel as you think about the day when you will behold the resurrected Lord?

  • How can partaking of the sacrament help you picture the Savior and draw near to Him?

  • When have you felt the Savior’s forgiveness, comfort, or healing power?

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