John 20:7 "And the napkin, that was about His head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself."
It was Jewish tradition, that when you visited someone's home for a meal, you would fold your napkin neatly, and leave it placed on the table as you left. This tradition was actually started thousands of years ago, and is still today carried out by some. This simple gesture made a statement to the host. It said that you had enjoyed the meal, and more importantly, that you wanted to come back.
There are at times, passages that we look at in the scriptures that seem challenging, almost difficult to understand, or even almost insignificant. But nothing in the word of God is without deep meaning. Something as simple as a napkin, neatly folded, "in a place by itself" speaks volumes to us today, as it has throughout history...and what it is saying is simply this..that Jesus wants to come back. As much as we long for His return, His longings are even greater.
He is our Savior..speaking to the ones He laid down His life for..a groom, longing for His bride..a Father, eager to hold His child once again. The folded napkin is a reminder..and even a promise.
One day, every eye will see Him. Every knee will bow at His coming. May we be confident in His promise. May we find hope in the fact that He will accomplish all that He has promised...and I know for me personally, I will never again look at my folded napkin the same way.