Morning Devotionals

by Don Emmitte

 

March 18th, 2008

 

"The Linen Napkin"

Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth as folded up by itself, separate from the linen. (John 20:6-7 NIV).

There have been several theories as to the explanation of the folded burial cloth that was found in the tomb by Peter and John when they entered. One deals with the tradition of folding the napkin used at the Passover meal and carries a wonderful message. Today, I want to introduce you to another tradition that may have more meaning for you as you continue to worship this week.

During Jesus' time there was one way that a carpenter let the contractor know a job was finished. It was a well known signature, so to speak. Imagine a hot afternoon in Galilee. Jesus has completed the final pieces of a job he has worked on for several days. The hair of his strong forearms is matted with sawdust and sweat. His face is shiny with heat. He takes a final—and welcome—drink of cool water from a leather bag. Then standing to the side of his work, he pours water over his face and chest, splashing it over his arms to clean himself before his journey home. With a nearby towel, he pats his face and arms dry. Finally, Jesus folds the towel neatly in half, and then folds it in half again. He sets it on the finished work and walks away. Later, whoever arrives to inspect the work will see the towel and understand its simple message. The work is finished.

Christ's disciples, of course, knew this carpenter's tradition. On a Sunday of sorrow, three years after Jesus had set aside his carpenter tools, Peter will crouch to look into an empty tomb and see only the linens that the risen Lord has left behind.

A smile must have crossed Peter's face as his sorrow is replaced by hope, as he has seen the wrap that had covered Jesus' face. It has been folded in half, then folded in half again and left neatly on the burial shelf of the tomb. Peter understands. The carpenter has left behind a simple message. It is finished! Nothing else remains but to accept this wonderful work of grace on our behalf! No wonder it is such a day of hope!