Musing – Why Did Jesus Fold the Napkin?

 Hebraic Musing – Why Did Jesus Fold the Napkin?

Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection?  “He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus’ head.  The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen.” John 20:6–7 NIV   The gospel of John tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes. The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded.  Was that important?  Absolutely!  Is it really significant?  Yes!

I have learned that the Bible is very well written and that every word or point is there for a reason. John documented an observation when he outran Peter and looked into the tomb.  Upon first reading John’s account, I initially thought of this as evidence that Jesus could not have somehow survived and struggled to get out of the tomb in which case, He would not have spent time and energy to neatly fold the cloth.

Tradition - When you finish a meal at a restaurant, you typically scrunch up the napkin and leave it casually on the table; that’s an Eastern custom since biblical times.  When you really enjoyed the meal, it is customary to neatly fold the napkin and place it on the table to say, “I enjoyed the meal,” and therefore, “I will return.”

Recently we heard a similar explanation, more to do with the origin of the custom of the folded napkin and understanding the Eastern tradition of that day.  The folded napkin had to do with the master and servant. Every Jewish boy knew this tradition.  When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it.  The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight until the master had finished eating.  The servant would not dare touch that table until the master was finished.

If the master finished eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his mouth and fingers, clean his beard, and wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table.  The servant would then know to clear the table.  In those days, the wadded napkin meant, “I’m finished.”

But if the master got up from the table, folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because the folded napkin meant, “I'm coming back.” 

All three explanations preach.

Point to Ponder

Does this make you want to read your Bible more slowly?

Even seemingly insignificant mentions in the Bible are there for a reason.

Simchat! (Enjoy!)

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      February 27, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings” 

Note – Edited version of Hebraic Insight #60 published October 10, 2010
            A book of the first 100 Hebraic Insights is available from Amazon – Search “Hebraic Insights Yosef”