"The Folded Napkin"

 

“The Folded Napkin”

 

John 20 tells of Mary Magdalene’s going to Jesus’ tomb, finding it empty, informing Peter and John who went there and found it as Mary had reported with the linens in which His body had been wrapped visible and the napkin for His head singled out. (This scene shows Jesus’ body couldn’t have been stolen as the Jewish leaders’ spin said—see Matthew 28:11-15—because the grave robbers wouldn’t have left the burial clothes behind.) The closing chapters of all four gospels and Acts 1 relate the events of His resurrection appearances and, forty days later, His return to Heaven.

I’ve read John’s account throughout my life and often wondered about the seemingly insignificant detail that “…the napkin which had been round his head was folded up by itself, instead of lying beside the other bandages.” (John 20:7, Moffatt). But nothing recorded in God’s Word is unimportant—“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful….” (2 Timothy 3:16, emphasis added) and “Every word of God proves true.” (Proverbs 30:5, NLT, emphasis added). But why would a small piece of cloth be highlighted so prominently?

My life-long question was answered about two years ago when a friend in our Sunday School class distributed a brief article on the folded napkin. (I’ve been unable to find its original source.) In the Jewish practice of that period, if the master of the house got up from the table and wadded his napkin it meant he was finished and the servants could clear the table. However, if he folded the napkin and placed it on the table he was saying he’d be back so don’t touch anything.

When Jesus came back to life sometime early on that first Resurrection morning He left His burial attire but carefully folded the napkin which had covered His face and head. By this simple yet profound act He was saying, “I’ll be back!” We can see this in two ways from our Savior’s words that He’d rise from the tomb (“…After I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”—Mark 14:28) and He’d return a second time (“…I will come back and take you to be with me….”—John 14:3). So His eternal purpose wasn’t finished because the napkin was folded, not crumpled. In between His two returns Jesus is "...at the right hand of God…interceding for us,” (Romans 8:34).

Jesus came back and will come back for His people. Will you be part of this great company? Read Romans 10:9,13 and settle this question forever.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan