I have lived to celebrate decades of Easters in my lifetime. Different aspects bringing new understanding of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ have some years jumped off the pages of the Bible. This Easter I was drawn to the fact that the cloth used to cover the face and head of Jesus was found “neatly folded by itself.”
“Peter and the other disciple left immediately for the tomb. They ran, neck and neck. The other disciple got to the tomb first, outrunning Peter. Stooping to look, he saw the pieces of linen cloth lying there but he didn’t go in. Simon Peter arrived after him, entered the tomb, observed the linen cloths lying there, and the kerchief used to cover his head not lying with the linen cloths but separate, neatly folded by itself.” (John 20:3-7) MSG
This left me to wonder if Jesus had made this effort or if an angel of God took care of such things. Some research led me to find this explanation:
Why would the Son of God who had just conquered death, bother to pause and leave His tomb tidy? According to the tradition of that day, after a servant set the dinner table, he would wait, just our of sight, until the family had finished eating. If one of them was done, they would rise, wad up the napkin and toss it onto the table–the signal to clear the setting. However, if they got up from the table, folded their napkin and laid it beside their plate, the message was “I’m not finished yet.” It quietly advised, “I’m coming back!”
Wow! Can I just say wow? A confirmation from the tomb of Jesus’ return when God tells Him to go get your children and the trumpet is sounded. How exciting! Are you ready? Are you daily pursuing your relationship with Jesus? Has God placed a lost person in your path with whom to share the gospel? Do not delay.
Easter is not simply a holiday that comes with eggs, rabbits and candy, which are quickly replaced with summer items and flags for Memorial Day in the retail market. The celebration of Easter should be endless! Christ died for our sins, He arose, and He’s coming back. Death was conquered and sin defeated. Hallelujah! To God Be the Glory!