What the Grave Clothes Teach Us

John 20:1-10

1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.”
3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that He must rise from the dead.
10 Then the disciples went back to their homes. (ESV)

Jesus left His Grave Clothes behind for a reason.
They convey a wonderful message:

  1. Peaceful
    The tomb was a scene of order and calm. Jesus left a peaceful scene of serenity.
    He is Risen! Does it mean something to you?

  2. Powerful
    The garments proclaimed that everything that the Lord promised is true. If gives hope to everyone who comes to Him for salvation.

  3. Promising
    Jesus told His disciples that though He may be out of their sight now, He would be back!
    His folded napkin reminds us that He is coming again to fetch His bride.

  4. Persuasive
    a. Saw – take a glance (what John did).
    b. Sees – to scrutinise (what Peter did).
    b. They then looked with understanding – the fact that He is Risen!

    Have you been persuaded? Are you living in the reality of His resurrection?

  5. Personal
    We must all come to a conclusion and act upon it.
    You can either accept it like the Disciples did or reject it like the Jewish leaders did.
    If you remove the resurrection from your faith it will fall apart like a pack of cards.


Is the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ real to you?
For me to live is Christ – He is Risen!