It’s Holy Week.
For Christians worldwide, this time of year marks the sacred death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the one whom we owe our salvation.
Many people, believers or not, know the baseline story of the Easter/Resurrection holiday:
- A man named Jesus was crucified or killed.
- Jesus was dead and buried for three days.
- On the third day after his death, Jesus got up or was made alive again.
We hear these three things reinforced through easter speeches, gospel/Christian songs, and Easter Sunday sermons. However, a closer look into the scriptures detailing this miraculous event provides insight into some not so popularized components of the story.
We asked Pastor Thomas Goggins to identify three surprising or little-known details about Christ’s resurrection. His responses are given below.
Number 1
One man rolled away the stone covering Christ’s grave.
Someone other than Christ opening his grave is significant because it proves Jesus still had to prove his deity. In a true shepherd’s fashion, Christ had us (humanity) in mind first, adding another chance for us to believe he was who he proclaimed to be all along. Christ rose from the dead. Do we really think he needed someone to remove a stone for him?
Number 2
Peter didn’t believe Christ was alive again.
In Luke 24:12, Peter held Christ’s burial garment in his hand while standing in the empty tomb. Scripture tells us that Peter walked away from the scene, wondering what happened. If someone is wondering about whether or not something is true, it means doubt is present. Therefore, Peter didn’t believe what he was seeing at first.
Number 3
The Napkin
A clue of Christ’s return ( Mark 16:6–7, Matthew 26:64 and John 14:3) was left behind in the tomb: the napkin!
The napkin that covered Christ’s face (historically, the dead were dressed in special burial linens) was neatly folded, separate from the other linen (John 20:7).
When someone wants to indicate they’re not finished with a meal, what do we do? Place a napkin or other on the food to cover it up, denoting we’ll return to the unfinished meal. One might say Jesus’ separate, folded napkin was a clue to his return!
Whew!
If you’re looking for a place to celebrate the risen King, join TKHC for an in-person fellowship this Sunday at 11:30 AM!
-TKHC Ministries