The Napkin in the Tomb

Easter’s Evidence of Hope

It was, at first appearance, an obscure object.  A simple napkin.  In this place in time, it was used as a burial piece to cover the face.

The face it covered was The Christ. 

Obscure. 

Small and insignificant. 

Who gives a mere napkin a second thought?  

(John 20:3-10)

In Jewish tradition, every young boy knew the significance of the napkin used at a banquet, especially the one used by the Master.

Tradition says this about that.  The servant boy had one job – to set the table exactly as the Master wished.  That meant every plate was to be in place, every piece of silver and every serving tray was to be exact in its placement a well.  And the napkin was present.  But there is more.

After the Master had finished eating, he would wipe his mouth, clean his fingers, brush the napkin through his beard and then wad up the napkin and toss it on the table.  The wadding was a signal to the servant that he could now come in and clear the table.  The banquet was over.  We are finished here.  Done.

If, however, the napkin was neatly folded and left to the side of the plate, that meant something entirely different.  It said:  “I will return.”

I WILL RETURN!

Christ did not casually crumple and toss the napkin before leaving the tomb.  He took care to fold it and leave it in its place, separate from the grave clothes. 

The signal was given. 

Hope sparked in the hearts of those who understood.

I WILL RETURN!

It is yet one more message for all of us.  Let it speak loud and clear. 

   The world is troubled. 

   Danger lurks on all sides. 

   Christ was taken from his followers and loved ones. 

   Yet the message speaks. 

I’m coming back.  Don’t clear the dishes. 

Better analogy.  Don’t let your hearts be troubled.  If you believe in God, then trust in me.  I am going to my Father’s house.  There I will be preparing a place for you to join me.  And I Will Come Again.

John 14:1-4

~Is your Easter blurred by events happening all over this globe?

~Are you worried that we may not see 2016?

~What about next Monday?

He speaks through a simple folded napkin.  “I may have left the tomb, but I haven’t left the scene.  My presence is with you.  My physical presence will come again."

Hope abounds through the Easter story.

Hallelujah, He Is Risen!

Hallelujah, He Will Come Again!

P Michael Biggs

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