He was known as “Mr. Tattoo.” Recalling Queequeg from Moby Dick, his body was extensively inked. Some of these tattoos were of an explicit nature, often visible as he rested in gym shorts on his hospital bed. His skin, a rich brown from his Spanish father and Apache mother, contrasted with his wild, bushy hair. Streaked with black and gray, it stood out like that of an Aboriginal bushman, framing a massive beard and bright, bulging eyes. This striking man, seemingly in his thirties, had requested a visit from the chaplain. Admittedly, his appearance caused initial hesitation, and I settled into a chair at what I considered a safe distance.
“Mr. Tattoo,” as he was called, had lived a life marked by hardship, and the consequences were catching up to him. A severe accident had resulted in a broken back, irrevocably altering his future. This enforced stillness, however, provided an unexpected opportunity for introspection. In this period of reflection, he had picked up a Bible and begun to read. He had grasped the basic narrative of Jesus’ life but struggled to understand its personal significance.
Initially, I perceived only a man with a wild exterior. But as I moved my chair closer, my perspective shifted, and I recognized a precious soul in need of Jesus. My initial judgment based on appearances had been misleading. We engaged in a lengthy conversation, exploring themes of sin, Jesus, forgiveness, and the principles of Christian living. To aid his understanding, I even sketched a visual representation of God’s profound exchange for humanity. Mr. Tattoo began to comprehend, and his valuable soul found solace in the embrace of Jesus. He expressed a newfound eagerness to read the Bible and deepen his understanding of his Savior.
It’s often said that receiving a tattoo can be intensely painful. Today, many willingly endure this pain to adorn their bodies with permanent marks. These tattoos serve various purposes: expressing sentimentality, commemorating loved ones, making a decorative statement, or signaling rebellion. Yet, these markings remain superficial, and their meanings can evolve and fade over time.
In contrast, when Jesus invites us to “Look at the nail marks through my hands,” and “Look at my side pierced by a spear” (John 20:27), he reveals the enduring “tattoos” of his extraordinary grace. These marks penetrate far deeper than skin. They proclaim his sacrificial death on the cross for the remission of all our sins and God’s completed work of salvation.
The “tattoos” of the cross brought Mr. Tattoo genuine peace with God and a renewed spirit. He was set to return home with newfound strength and purpose derived from Jesus. May every tattoo you encounter remind you of how Jesus’ agonizing bodily marks secured your eternal salvation.
