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!