Sunday, April 21, 2019

THE NAPKIN TELLS A STORY



…..and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself.  John 20:7  

Today being Easter weekend we heard many songs and sermons about the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  It is so easy to get caught up in purchasing new Easter clothing, coloring eggs, and planning a picnic with the family that we miss out on important things.

Have you ever thought about the napkin that was left folded inside the tomb?  

Have you ever wondered why the Savior of the world would come out of the burial cloths that were wound around his body and then take the time to stop and fold the napkin that covered his face? 

Does it matter what this piece of fabric looks like laying there?

Yes, it does matter.

Why not just leave the napkin laying on top of the heap of burial cloths already lying there?

Why not wad it up and throw it over into the corner?

Why not take it with him as he was leaving for later use?

Why fold it?

The Jewish boys that were being trained knew the meaning of this napkin being folded neatly and laid aside. 

Today we rush past everything in life toward the next event.  The Jewish people learned the symbolic meaning of everything and didn't live their lives in a haphazard way. 

As a Jewish boy was training he would learn that serving a master was a great privilege and the boy was to keep his eye on the master. As the master would sit to eat he would use his napkin and when he finished he would wipe his beard, face and hands with the napkin.  He would then lay it aside and when he laid the napkin on the table without a word being said the young boy knew his master had completed his meal and it was time for the boy to enter and clean the table up. 

The young Jewish boy was also trained to watch and if the master folded his napkin and laid it on the table, it meant the master was going to do something and would return, so the young boy was not to clean the table.  The boy was to leave the table as is.  For himself, he was to stay and watch until the master returned to complete his meal.  

When Jesus rose out of the burial clothes, he turned, picked up the napkin and took the time to fold it and lay it to the side.  

When he died on the cross, He said, "It is Finished."  but at this point he is telling us something very deep.  "My friend, I am coming back again so keep your eyes on the master." 

Where do you have your eyes fixed today?  

There are many who will miss the Master's message but the greatest m

The message for us to learn isn't where the golden egg is hidden but what has caused our eyes to be hidden from the truth of the gospel of Christ.  

He will return and he told us so in many ways!

Will you be watching and waiting for the master when he comes?

Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.  Matthew 24-42-44

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