No 30

The Miracles of Calvary (The Grave Clothes)

This is the fifth Miracle of the Cross – The undisturbed grave clothes of Christ. “Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, 7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. 8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.” (John 20: 6 to 8). This is the only miracle that is not in Matthew’s gospel and it is the only miracle in John’s gospel; what Matthew leaves out, John supplies. Though John does not mention the other miracles, this is the one that undoubtedly provides the best description of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. And, of course, may we be reminded that these events had occurred while the grave was sealed with a rock and guarded by soldiers? We read in Matthew 27:64 “Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.”

What does the gospel of John say when he saw that the linen clothes separate from the napkin? “he saw and believed.” Although Peter was the first in the grave, he is silent and not only is nothing said about Peter’s believing, but as Luke shares with us upon seeing “the strips of linen lying by themselves”, Peter merely went away “wondering to himself what had happened” (Luke 24:12). Are we to compare the differing reactions of John and Peter? I would say no but, for John the grave clothes gave him the ultimate proof that Jesus had risen from the dead. For Peter, the text does continue to say “For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.” (John 20:9). This event was so grandiose that they must’ve been overwhelmed by it and had forgotten Jesus’ teachings because He did say that He would die and send them His Spirit “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” (John 16:7).