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?

Related Gospel Study Guides

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Activities for Families

Focus on Jesus Christ. Play the hymn and ask your children to listen for the first word of each verse. Explain that to “behold” means to look closely or pay attention. Each verse begins with the word “Behold,” reminding us to focus on Jesus Christ. Sing or listen to the hymn while imagining Him in detail or looking at beautiful artwork portraying Him. Listen to the hymn again, and this time, invite your children to quietly touch a part of their body when they hear the words “hands,” “side,” “ponder,” “see,” “love,” “know,” “look,” “heart,” “feet,” or “tears.” This simple action can help your children connect with the message and think more deeply about the Savior.
Teach how the Church’s symbol reminds us of Jesus Christ. Show your children the Church’s symbol below, and ask them if they have noticed it before. Explain that it features a representation of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s Christus statue: Jesus Christ with outstretched hands, welcoming all to come unto Him. Invite family members to share what they think of when they see images of Jesus like this. Point out how this hymn describes a similar image: “Behold the wounds in Jesus’ hands” and “Behold the outstretched hands of Christ.” Encourage your children to think of these lines and remember the Savior and His love whenever they see the Church’s symbol. You might share how being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints has helped you come closer to Jesus Christ.