Why were the linen clothes of Jesus wrapped and kept in the tomb? (John 20:7)

Why were the linen clothes of Jesus wrapped and kept in the tomb? (John 20:7)

A Message to the Disciples – The Folded Napkin Tradition

In ancient Jewish culture, there was a common custom practiced during meals between a master and his servant:

• When a master sat at the table to eat, he would use a napkin (or cloth).

• If he finished his meal and was done eating, he would crumple the napkin and toss it on the table. That told the servant, “I’m finished, you can clear the table.”

• However, if the master folded the napkin neatly and set it aside, that meant:
  “I’m not done—I’m coming back.”

Now, while this tradition isn't directly mentioned in Scripture, some scholars and Bible teachers suggest this cultural practice could explain why John specifically notes that the face cloth was "folded up in a place by itself" (John 20:7).

If this is true, then Jesus' folded face cloth could have been a silent but powerful message to His disciples:

“I am not finished. I have risen—and I will come again.”