THE FOLDED NAPKIN

While there is no direct correlation between the Jewish meal, and their preparation of the dead, the following story could still have some spiritual significance; in that a napkin was part and parcel of both activities.

Why was the linen face cloth folded and separate from the shroud after Jesus’ resurrection?

John Chapter 20 verse 7 makes us aware that the napkin, which covered the face of Jesus, was not just cast to the side like the linen wrappings. Scripture informs us that the napkin was, rather, folded neatly, and lay where the head of Jesus had once lain.

Early on Easter morning, before the dawn of the day, Mary Magdalene arrived at the tomb, and discovered the stone had been rolled away. She ran and found Simon Peter and John and made them aware of this marvelous event.

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 lost no time and immediately ran to the gravesite. John outran Peter and stooped and looked into the sepulcher, and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't immediately enter the place.

Now Simon Peter arrived and stepped inside. He also saw the shroud, while the napkin which had covered Jesus' head was folded, and separate from the grave clothes.

If we are to understand the significance of the folded napkin, we must understand something about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had much to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy was aware of this tradition.

When the servant prepared the dinner table for his master, he was careful to set it exactly the way the master expected it to be done.

After the table was furnished, the servant waited, out of sight, until the master finished his meal. The servant did touch the table again; until the master was finished with his meal. When the master was done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and his beard, and would, at this point, wad up the napkin and throw it onto the table.

The servant would then understand the master was finished with his supper, and begin to clear the table. In that day and time, the wadded napkin meant, “I’m finished.”

However, if the master stood, and neatly folded his napkin, and, subsequently, laid it beside his plate, the servant remained where he was, since he understood the folded napkin meant,

“I'm coming back again!”


By William McDonald, PhD. Paraphrase of anonymous author. Copyright pending

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