Expert: Elder Greg Madden - 3/19/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi Greg

Can you explain to me the about the folded napkin found in JESUS' TOMB please ?

Thank You
GOD BLESS
R. Monaco

ANSWER: Bro Ray,

Good to hear from you again my brother! Hope that you and your family are doing well, and that you guys had a great Palm Sunday.

Once again, thank you for your question. It is one that has been confusing to many people through the years. Let me share with you what I have learned about this subject.

The word "napkin", is thought to be originally Latin, and signifies an handkerchief, with which the sweat is wiped off the face, and so it is used in (Acts 19:12).

When Peter went into the sepulchre and was looking about him was careful to examining things there strictly and observed that which neither he nor John had taken notice of, when only stooping they looked in: and that is, that this head binder, or napkin, was

"not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped (or folded) together in a place by itself:"

This was plainly the effect of thought, care, and composure; and clearly shows that the body was not taken away in a hurry, or by thieves, since everything lay in such order and decency; and which was done, either by our Lord himself, or by the angels.

Hope this helps my friend. Please let me know if you have any further questions.

God Bless.
Elder Greg Madden
http://www.forministry.com/USOKPENTEMMM1



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Bro.Greg

Thank you 4 your reply.
Now this is what was e-mailed me by a fellow brother in the Lord JESUS CHRIST.

THE NAPKIN AND THE MESSAGE OF RETURN

In Hebrew tradition when the servant of the house laid the table of his master the evening meal. The servant of course would lay out a napkin.

Afterwards the servant would not been seen near the table. The servant would wait till the master was finished his meal.

How would the servant know that his Master was finished?
The Master would wipe his beard and crumble up his napkin throw in the table and leave.Hence the servant would come and clean up after his master.

However, if his Master FOLDED his napkin and left the table that would be a sign that the servant would not approach the table due to the fact the Master WAS COMING BACK!

Bro. Greg, our LORD JESUS CHRIST folded the napkin telling us HE'S COMING BACK.  Amen Praise The LORD.

That's how I believe what the JESUS was leaving us all a message of return.

GOD BLESS YOU BRO. GREG
Bro. Ray


Answer
Bro. Ray,

Thank for sending me this. Yes, I have also heard this example of the folded napkin as well. In either case, we know that our Lord carefully took His time at the resurrection. And remember this, His did rise again!

Have a great Resurrection Day!

God Bless.
Elder Greg Madden
http://www.forministry.com/USOKPENTEMMM1