John 20:6-7 (LSB) 6 And so Simon Peter also came, following him, and entered the tomb; and he saw the linen wrappings lying there, 7 and the face-cloth which had been on His head, not lying with the linen wrappings, but folded up in a place by itself.

We used these verses recently in another devotional. But today we’d like to use them again to teach from a different perspective; one that will further strengthen our faith!

The verses above state that they “saw the linen wrappings lying there”.

There was no body.

The tomb was empty and the linen cloth that had been used to wrap the body of Jesus was lying there, no longer covering or wrapping His body.

Additionally, the scripture says that the face cloth which had been on His head was “folded up in a place by itself”

Now, many of you reading this may think that we are going to discuss a supposed tradition regarding the folding of the napkin indicating that Jesus did this to signify His return.

But this theory that has been used many times in modern preaching has no basis or historical proof. It is more folklore or legend than fact.

However, there is still much significance in the fact that the cloth was folded!

First, the intentional folding of the cloth is proof that there was no grave robbery. There was no chaotic, hurried removal of His body by thieves in the night.

Instead, there was purposeful action on the part of Jesus. He took the time to fold the cloth instead of simply tossing it aside!

Now, what His intention was with the folded napkin remains a mystery. It is something we may never understand fully.

But that’s OK! Some things are not meant for us to know.

This is why we call it “walking by faith”. We trust God without having to know the tiniest little details of everything.

What we do know, though, is that the folded cloth in the tomb quietly and powerfully testified that Jesus rose in victory, not by theft or accident, but with divine authority and purpose.

He did not leave the grave still wrapped in cloths, as Lazarus did. Instead, He exited the grave as a sign of His authority and sovereignty, even over death.

And in that, we can find great comfort and a strengthening of our faith.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

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