Why did Jesus fold the burial cloth?

Last weekend my parents came for a visit and we’ve discussed some interesting topics regarding God’s work in our individual lives. I have always enjoyed spending time with my family because of the passion that is discussed within the Word of God. It seems like we never get enough of it! We are always learning and can’t wait to share with each other. The first night my parents arrived, my dad was so excited to share me this one thing and challenged me with this question: When Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, why did Jesus fold the burial cloth that has been wrapped around his head? Do you know why? Well, let’s take a look…

Jesus Christ had been arrested and His own people wanted Him to be crucified for the death He did not deserve. Jesus endured hours of torture. He was beaten, whipped, and flogged, to name a few. He carried His own cross for miles and was crucified. Jesus knew what He had to go through to show His love and to give His people a chance. After Jesus died, He was buried by the wrapping of a special cloth and put into the tomb. After three days, a miracle had just happened! Jesus Christ rose from the dead!

The gospel of John tells us that the burial cloth that was wrapped around Jesus’ head was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes. John 20:6-7 says, “Then Simon Peter, who was behind him (the other disciple), arrived and went into the tomb. He saw strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus’ head. The cloth was neatly folded up by itself, separate from the linen.” Why? Jesus has risen from the grave, so why would he take the time to fold the burial cloth? Hmmmmm?

Is this important and significant? YES!

To understand the significance of the folded cloth, we must understand the tradition of the Hebrew culture of those days. It is the relationship between the Master and the Servant. When it is meal time, the servant would set the table the way the master wanted it. The master would come and feast at the table and the servant would not touch the table until he knows his master is finished eating. How did the servant know when his master was finished? When the master was satisfied, 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. This is how the servant would know when his master is finished and to clear the table. However, if the master got up from the table, folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not touch the table, because the folded napkin that the master had left meant, “I’m coming back!”

Do you see it? Take this metaphor of Jesus Christ and the people. Jesus is our Master and we are His servants. Jesus took the time to fold the burial cloth wrapped around his head because…JESUS CHRIST IS NOT FINISHED WITH HIS WORK! Jesus said that He will be coming back again. That is why he took the time to fold the cloth. Jesus Christ will be coming back for the second time to complete His work that God has planned ever since the beginning.

Jesus says in Matthew 24:42, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”

The apostle John witness events told in Revelation and in the last section of the book records that Jesus is coming back soon. In Revelation 22:20, Jesus reveals to John and says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”

Dad, thank you for sharing this with me and giving me the opportunity to share this to others. I am at constant awe that everything Jesus does that shows significance in God’s plans for our lives. My challenge to all of you is what are you doing in preparing the return of Jesus Christ? Have you personally invited Jesus Christ into your life? Have you developed a relationship with Jesus Christ? Are you allowing the Lord to change your character and to become more like Him? We are called to live a holy and righteous life and only the Lord can help us. Be honest with yourself and ask where you are in your relationship with the Lord. My prayer is that you will choose to serve Him no matter the cost. Have a blessed week!

Don't be a pessimist!

A friend of mine drove by this church one day and took a quick picture of this billboard and sent me a text. At first, I had to ask her what it meant but when I re-read it, I realized the meaning of it. You can laugh about this, but you sure as well know that it is so true! I mean, how many times have we doubted ourselves when we face a challenge? How many times have we complained about difficult issues or problems cannot seem to resolve? Or maybe, how many times have we told ourselves, "I cannot do this?" I have done this countless of times! You know, it isn't as hard as you think it is...

The Bible says in Philippians 4:13, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." There is nothing that is impossible which God gives us to do. It may feel like it at that moment, but when you go through it with the Lord's strength and then as you look back, you realize the amazing victory you have achieve through Christ! We made the problem bigger than it actually seems.

Since the beginning of this year, I made a commitment to completely read the whole Bible in a year. Right now, I'm reading the book of Exodus when God uses Moses to bring the Israelites out Egypt after being in slavery for about 400 to 430 years. The part that I'm at loss of words is about how much grumbling and complaining the Israelites had when God CLEARLY provided and protected them out of Egypt. The Israelites complained to Moses about not having water or food repetitively, yet no matter how many times, God still gave them what they needed. The Israelites disobeyed God's instructions from time to time. I had to shake my head and say, "Jeez!" But then I realized that I have put myself in a similar position many of times. I have tried to argue with God and say, "Well, only if...this...or...that...then I will be able to do it or have the confidence." The more I realize my faulty thinking, the more I understand that the Lord is asking of my faith in Him. I have tried to put it in practice that whatever opportunity comes in my life that I would pray about it and seek God's will in this and then put it into action without any questions. Sure, there have been times when it's been difficult and I've wrestled with God, but in the end when I do pull through, I look back in victory.

For example, I moved to a new place recently (new state, new city, new people, new job, new ministry, etc...). It was hard to take that first step. The job that I accepted wasn't what I wanted, but in the next couple of weeks another job opened up and was offered to me. It wasn't anything that I thought I'd ever do and I had absolutely no experience in it. After I considered the possibility and prayed to God about it, I felt that it was a challenge that God had prepared for me. I was so scared, but boldly took on this responsibility. The first day on the job, I was a nervous wreck! The first week on the job, I cried almost every night and I REALLY WANTED TO QUIT! I complained here and there. I was negative about my abilities and qualifications. I kept telling myself that this isn't what I got my degree in...only if I had that other job, I'd be a better fit for it. Deep down inside I knew I was only fooling myself. No matter what job I would accept, it will be a challenge. Every morning, I prayed to the Lord for help and to constantly teach me how to remain humble. One day after another, a new challenge came and things got progressively harder. Even though it got harder, I became stronger with the help of the Lord. Yes, I still complained every now and then like the Israelites did on their journey to the promise land, but I still put my faith and trust in the Lord. Today as I look back, I realize that the Lord has been working in my life and in the lives of others around me! The Lord is so good and He is still bringing on new challenges in my life. I know that His timing is perfect and that He will not give me more than what I cannot handle.

I have a new opportunity that arose and will be facing a new challenge beginning this week. Yes, I'm scared as heck, but I choose to have faith in the Lord and to trust Him with my life. I remember a little over two years ago I received a confirmation from the Lord regarding my life and I continue to hold onto that to this day. My prayer is that this will be passed to you and that you will choose to BELIEVE in it. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."