It Is Finished!

4/22/11

“Then Simon Peter…went to the tomb, and he saw the linen cloths lying there, and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself” (John 20:6-7). 

  

In the culture of Jesus time, there was a special tradition that a carpenter used to let the owner or contractor know a job was finished - a signature, so to speak.

Imagine a hot afternoon in Galilee and Jesus had just wrapped up the final pieces of a job he has worked on for several days.  The hair of his strong forearms is matted with sawdust and sweat.  He takes a final – and welcome – drink of cool water from a leather bag and pours water over his face and chest to clean himself before his journey home.  With a nearby towel, he pats his face and arms dry.

Finally, he would fold the towel neatly and set it on the finished work and walk away. When the contractor or owner arrived later to inspect the work he will see the towel and understand its simple message.  The work is finished.

On the Sunday of sorrow, Luke tells us “Peter got up and ran to the tomb, stooping and looking in he saw the linen wrappings only; and he want away to his home, marveling at what had happened”. (Luke 24:12)

A smile crossed  Peter’s face as his sorrow is replaced by hope, for he will see the wrap that had covered Jesus’ face neatly folded.  Peter understands.  The Carpenter has left behind a simple message.

It is finished!  

Blessings

Gramps