The Folded Napkin

Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed. (John 20:1-8 ESV). I like working with wood. I have a few tools that I have collected through the years that have made the job easier, but I still enjoy building things with my hand tools. When I have finished a project I am very particular to put everything away in its place. With that thought I found a very interesting truth in the reading this morning. The setting is resurrection morning. Mary finds the empty tomb, sees Jesus, and runs to tell the disciples. Peter and John run to the tomb to see for themselves. I can almost sense the smile of Peter’s face that day so long ago. They must have had many questions. What could have become of their Savior? Who would have taken His body? What cause would there be to disturb Him from the grave? When Peter reached the tomb and saw the strips of burial cloth, folded neatly, each one separate from the other, he knew the answer to their dilemma. Jesus had answered their concern. He was risen indeed! His work was finished. Here’s what I noticed this morning: “He also noticed the linen wrappings lying ther, while the cloth that had covered Jesus was folded up and lying to the side.” In Jesus’ time there was a tradition carpenters had to signify the completion of a project. Once the last nail was driven, the carpenter would always splash water on his face and perhaps even on his chest and arms. With a towel kept nearby, he would dry himself off, then fold the towel gently in half, then in half again, and lay it neatly on the finished work and walk away. This folded towel was a symbol that the work was complete. On the cross, Jesus had called out Tetelestai: IT IS FINISHED! As He exited the tomb as the Risen Lord, He folded His outer garments, signifying once again that it was truly finished. Death has been swallowed up in Victory! Peter and the other disciples, knowing this custom well, perhaps having even watched Jesus do it in his carpentry work before, must have surely smiled at the sight of the folded garments. Jesus had said in death and in newness of life that IT IS FINISHED! Are you living in the victory found in the finished work of Christ? Are you experiencing the joy found only in Him? Are you enjoying the peace that comes from being secure in Christ alone? The Master Carpenter has finished His work! Live in that Victory today!