Resurrection Glow

In the Gospel of John (20:7) we read: "But the burial napkin (kerchief) which had been around Jesus' head, was not lying with the other linen cloths, but was folded up (wrapped round and round) in a place by itself." -Amplified Bible

Note that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes. The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin. Is that important? You'd better believe it! Is that significant? Absolutely! Is it really significant? Yes! In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day.

In the Jewish society of that age the folded napkin was in a way a form of coded communication between the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition. When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it. The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished.

Now if the master was done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table. The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, "I'm done".

But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because the servant knew that the folded napkin meant, "I'm not finished yet." The folded napkin meant, "I'm coming back!"

A pearl to string: HE "IS" COMING BACK... HALLELUJAH!

Let yourself glow in the Resurrection,
You are so loved,
Lyndi

(Note: With most historical custom there is a margin of dispute. With this retelling of old Jewish custom in service I found much to support it as well as much that disputes it. Nevertheless, Jesus is coming back!)