Neat and Tidy

by Pastor Kyle Wangelin

Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. - John 20:6-7

Holy Saturday. A day waiting on pins and needles in anticipation of what is to come next. We have just been put through the shock and awe of Good Friday. Not only do we see the graphic nature of Jesus’ death, but we also hold the responsibility of that as sinners.

That is until Sunday. Peter enters the tomb, and suddenly, the shock and awe of Good Friday has shifted to linens being gently and properly folded in an empty tomb. I’ve often wondered why Jesus took the time to fold the burial face cloth. While we don’t know the answer to that question, I like to think that it’s because that’s the way it was supposed to be. This was the plan all along. It shows the sharp contrast of how nasty sin is, but how loving our God is. It was supposed to happen this way, and everything is all neat and tidy now.

At times our lives are filled with chaos. Shock and awe around every corner. But in the midst of it all is that cloth neatly folded in an empty tomb. It isn’t covering Jesus’ face anymore. He’s not there. He’s alive. The chaos is brought to an end. Jesus has won.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, tomorrow is the most Holy day. Grant us this night of preparation, a still heart and mind, that in the midst of all the craziness of this world, we may see our Risen Savior. In Your Name we pray, Amen.