Then, following him, Simon Peter came also. He entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there. The wrapping that had been on His head was not lying with the linen cloths but was folded up in a separate place by itself. The other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, then entered the tomb, saw, and believed. – John 20:6-8
God bless Peter and John! Without their boldness to crash their way into the tomb, we would have missed this sort of detail!
There is debate about the condition of the linen cloths. Some suggest that they were still in the shape of a body, but were empty…as if the body of the deceased had passed right through the fabric. Others think they were just piled up on the floor. But I’m getting distracted, because whatever the condition of the cloths was, it is the napkin that is far more interesting!
The napkin, we are told, was “folded up”. It wasn’t just cast aside in a separate heap on the flood, but had been folded. What was the meaning of that for Peter and John, and does it have any relevance for us today? I think it is mind-blowing!!!
In Jewish culture, when the master and his family would sit down for a meal, the servants waited on them. Here’s the fascinating point of cultural relevance: if the master was done eating, he would simply wad the napkin up and let it fall to the floor or place it wadded up on the table. But, if the master folded the napkin, it sent a very specific message to the servants. It meant “I’m coming back. I’m not done.”
When Peter and John saw the folded napkin, it says that John “believed”. What did he believe? I think it was the folded napkin that told him, “I’m coming back. I’m not done!” Perhaps it was that simple sign that caused John to remember the words of Jesus that he was “coming back” from the dead. And he believed.
What does it mean for us today? It also means that Jesus isn’t finished. He’s coming back. And if we are wise, we will be as the servants prepared for the return of the master. Jesus wasn’t finished in the tomb and he’s not finished in the world.
Let’s anticipate his return with great expectation and excitement!
PRAYER: Jesus, thank you that you are coming back and for giving us this simple reminder of your return. Thank you for not being finished with us, for not washing your hands of this mess called humanity. Thank you that you were not “finished” forever in the tomb! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Copyright 2023 by Galen C. Dalrymple, all rights reserved.
DayBreaks Devotions 
This is excellent brother! The deliberately folded napkin has been on my mind over the years as a deliberate sign of a thoughtful act. This is the first post I have read on this, thank you!
You are very welcome, brother! You are probably like me – sometimes I wonder why a particular detail is mentioned in a story, but there is always a reason for everything that God put into the word and there is meaning in it!!! Blessing and peace…