The Message at the Tomb
John 20 gives us one of the most powerful pictures in the whole Bible. Jesus has risen from the dead, but He leaves behind a message—one that speaks louder than words. The message at the tomb is not just that Jesus is alive, but that He’s coming back. Let’s look at how this story unfolds and what it means for us today.
The Empty Tomb Speaks Life
Mary Magdalene comes early in the morning while it’s still dark. She finds the stone rolled away. That moment of fear and confusion quickly turns into hope. When Peter and John run to the tomb, they don’t find Jesus’ body. What they find instead is just as important.
The burial cloths lay in a pile, but the face cloth is folded up neatly. This isn’t random. The message at the tomb starts with the empty linen—it means death didn’t win. Jesus overcame sin and the grave. That pile of cloths says He’s finished paying the price for us. He crushed the enemy.
The Folded Cloth Speaks Return
Now comes the detail that gives us chills. John 20:7 says the face cloth was “rolled up” or folded by itself. In Jewish tradition, this meant something very specific. When a master finished a meal, he’d toss the napkin to signal he was done. But if he folded it neatly, it meant, “I’m coming back.”
Jesus folded the face cloth on purpose. It was His quiet, powerful way of saying, “I’m not finished. I will return.” The message at the tomb isn’t just about the past—it’s also about the future.
The Appearance Speaks Peace
Later in John 20, Jesus appears to His disciples. They are hiding, scared, and unsure. But Jesus walks in and says, “Peace be with you.” He shows them His hands and side. He gives them the Holy Spirit and sends them out with purpose.
What started at the tomb becomes a mission in their hearts. Jesus gives them peace, power, and purpose. That same message still applies to us today. We don’t just visit an empty tomb—we carry the message of the risen Lord with us wherever we go.
The Response Speaks Belief
Thomas, one of the disciples, wasn’t there when Jesus showed up the first time. He doubted. But Jesus met him right where he was. He showed him His scars and told him to believe.
That’s what Jesus still does for us. He gives us reasons to believe. And He blesses those who believe even without seeing. That includes us.
Why the Message at the Tomb Still Matters
The tomb is empty, but the message is full of hope. Jesus is alive. He conquered sin. And He’s coming back. The folded cloth says it all.
We have peace in our hearts and purpose in our hands. Let’s live like we believe it. Let’s carry the message at the tomb to a world that needs it now more than ever.
Key takeaway: The folded cloth was no accident. Jesus rose from the dead and left a message—He’s not finished. He’s coming back.
To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.
To view on YouTube, CLICK HERE.