Why Did Jesus Fold the Napkin?

Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. John 20:6-7

The above verses tell us 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 his napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin.

Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the Entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!'

Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple outran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there...

...while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side.

Was that important? 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. The folded napkin had to do with 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 were 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 folded napkin meant..."I will be back."

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Christmas 2009

Letter From Jesus

My Children,

Happy Holidays! Did I get you? I was just kidding. Merry Christmas. As Christmastime is upon us, I wanted to reflect on a few things I have noticed "from above" and offer a few words of advice that will hopefully help you get through this over commercialized holiday.

It has come to my attention that there are some government establishments that have decided not to put up the annual Nativity scene this year because it may be offensive to some. That's OK. Let them. Instead, put up a nativity in your own yard. Imagine what it would look like if all our Christian brothers and sisters made Me the focus of your home's Christmas display.

School's used to be a friendly place for Me to hangout. Now? A teacher needs to send home a letter that informs the parents that the class will be learning about the relationship between ancient Rome and Christianity. Christmas Break is now Holiday Break and the annual Christmas choir concert is filled with "Winter Wonderlands" instead of "O Holy Nights." That's OK. Let it happen. Instead, gather a group of your friends and family to bake cookies for your neighbors as you sing Christmas carols outside their door.

I love the sight of Christmas trees lighting up the family rooms. Family or Holiday trees? Not so much. Christmas is a holiday that celebrates My Birth. It reminds us of God's love for the world and how He was willing to give the life of His only Son. Taking Christ out of Christmas is rather humorous in My opinion. You are trying to become a society that celebrates a season. Ask the people in Florida how that is turning out. Snow much? It's OK. Let people celebrate winter. I provided it by the way. Instead, say Merry Christmas every chance you get. Love your neighbor. Help an old lady with the door. Shovel your neighbor's driveway. Donate your time to the local soup kitchen. Spread My love. Not My season.

Lastly, don't freak out.

Just like I always have, I've got this under control, too. And, I always will.

Have a very, merry Christmas.

Love,

Jesus

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I'm Alive

Wow, October 31...really?

Sorry for the month delay. November has been REALLY busy. My two post-grad classes have been finishing up. Thanksgiving. My evaluation at Perry.

Just not enough time in the day!

Check back soon for updates. Once December hits, everything should be somewhat normal again!

Talk with you soon.

Halloween 2009

Boo at the Zoo