The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, they have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they ran together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie. And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself(John 20:1-7)
Jesus came to this earth with purpose. He truly was on a mission. He Himself said, “The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” His whole life fulfilled the prophecies concerning Him. As we consider Good Friday, we see the following verse fulfilled:
But He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed(Isaiah 53:5).
Notice that He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities- providing forgiveness and healing us spiritually. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him- providing peace and healing for the mental and emotional part of us. The stripes on His back were for the healing of our bodies. Every need we have is provided for through the sacrifice that Jesus made- all in fulfillment of the prophecies given in Scripture.
As we consider Easter, John 20 provides an indication of a great guarantee. Scripture says the linen clothes were left lying- probably crumpled and in disarray. The napkin that had covered His face was wrapped together- separate from the clothing. This is very significant when we consider the culture of the day.
The Jewish custom of the time was very detailed regarding meal times. After the food was set out on the table, the servants were to wait for the master of the house to finish eating. They did not dare to bother anything on the table until they were sure he was finished. How did they know? It was all about the napkin!
When the master of the house was completely finished eating, he simply just threw the napkin down. If he had to get up from the table before finishing, he carefully folded the napkin and left it neatly on the table. The message was clear, “I am not finished, I guarantee I am coming back.”
By leaving the napkin neatly folded, Jesus sent us a message. He was saying, “I am not finished. I continue to forgive sin, lift up the downtrodden and radically change lives. By the way- I guarantee you- I am coming back.”
This Holy week is so important to the Christian faith, Good Friday represents Scripture being fulfilled. Easter Sunday represents Scripture being fulfilled and a great guarantee given. Let us consider these things as we observe this year’s Easter holiday.
Dave Snyder is an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God – Cleveland, Tennessee. Before entering the ministry on a full-time basis, he was a school teacher. He also coached middle school basketball for eight years.
Dave and his wife, Sara, have two children — Craig and Karen. They also have one ten year old granddaughter — Breanna.
Dave and Sara pastored in West Virginia for thirty-six years. Sara is now retired from the banking industry, and Dave is retired from pastoring. However, Dave currently serves as prison Chaplain for the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Writing essays, articles, and devotionals is a real passion for Dave. He also enjoys playing musical instruments and singing.
by leaps and bounds 
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