Nougat 6

Hi

Amidst the many mysteries of Jesus’ resurrection are several clues to remind us that God keeps God’s promises AND that Jesus really was the Messiah. Consider today’s Holy Nougat

“and the face cloth that had been on His head. It was not lying with the linen strips, but was rolled up in a place by itself.” John‬ ‭20:7‬ ‭TLV‬‬

The fact of a face cloth covering Jesus’ face between His death and resurrection has occupied many a person through the years. And, since the Middle Ages, the discovery of what is now called the Shroud of Turin has further sparked conversation and debate.

As we can see, there WAS a shroud. And it was folded by itself in the tomb. One thus surmises that discovering the ‘Shroud’ was substantive proof of both Jesus’ death and resurrection. We must recall however that the distinctiveness of most religions is the willingness of its adherents to operate in Faith – without tangible proof to support them. In some wise, this holds true for us Followers of Christ. Hence, Luke 1:20, 45 and John 20:29 point to the need to trust God.

So, do we trust God that Jesus rose, and that He will return? May our lives testify to our belief.

For me, the linens also serve the purpose of taking me further back in spiritual history. Although John never provided a ‘birth narrative’, the cloths at His death remind me of swaddling clothes at Jesus’ birth. Amidst the incongruity of His death, was the reminder of new life, rebirth and a call to humility. God provided for Jesus in crowded Bethlehem at His earthly birth; God provided for Jesus in an unused rich man’s tomb. God will provide for each of us from Birth to Death to Life after Death.

And finally, the obvious – grave robbers should not have the time to neatly remove linens and place them separately. No, they would have either carried the corpse WITH the burial linens or dragged them off Jesus’ body. And while that is not an impossible thought, given that he was crucified naked, I believe that the signs of proper burial (Joseph fixed him up good) and of His own risenness were being conveyed.

And so, of Jesus rose himself from the dead; I know that He is Who He is and that He shall return.

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May all we seek be found in Christ