Monday, April 2, 2018
Take off your graveclothes
John 20:6,7
Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself.
Back in 1972, I came home one afternoon and, running up the stairs, as usual, I burst in the front door and made a beeline for my grandfather’s bedroom. I was startled to see that my grandfather’s big toes were tied together with white cotton, and there was what looked like a handkerchief tied around his head keeping his mouth shut. I couldn’t understand and was devasted as it was explained to me that he had died, and this was the necessary preparation of the body.
Every time the story of Lazarus is read, or the resurrection story which we are looking at today in John 20:1-10, I get flashback memories of my grandfather lying there in the primitive and primary home preparation of the dead body.
On the resurrection morning, the disciples of Jesus got to the open tomb and observed, that not only was the body missing, but that “the linen cloths lying there … and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. John 20:5-7. Unlike most men and boys that I know, Jesus didn’t just walk away and leave the clothes lying there, they were neatly folded and set aside together when he left.
When Lazarus had emerged from the tomb, Jesus had immediately instructed that his graveclothes be removed. “He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”” John 11:43,44
Clothes tie us to a thing, that thing might be a location, an institution, or even an activity. For example, when guys get out of jail they leave the jail clothes behind. Former prisoners quickly shed the prison jumpsuit either for the clothes they lodged when they were booked in, or the clothes brought by loved ones for the day they are getting out.
Too many of us have “come to Jesus” but haven’t changed our “clothes,” we are holding tightly on to the things of our past. We are holding on to some people that we should have left behind, we are at some places we should have left behind, and we are involved in some activities that we should have left behind.
There is an Old Testament story of a vision that Zechariah had of the High Priest Joshua. “Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel. Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, “Take away the filthy garments from him.” And to him He said, “See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.” And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. Zechariah 3:1-5
In the spiritual context, the old and filthy garments represent sin and iniquity and the new garments represent the robe of righteousness, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21.
In John’s vision of the end we see the “marriage supper of the Lamb!” and that those who are participating are specially clothed in new garments for attendance. ““Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” Revelation 19:7,8
All the way back to the time of the Exodus, as God was setting in place a set of standards for His chosen people, He had identified clothes as an important marker. Those who were to be set aside as priests had to have special clothes, vestments, to identify themselves and to perform their duties. “Of the blue, purple, and scarlet thread they made garments of ministry, for ministering in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron, as the Lord had commanded Moses.” Exodus 39:1
In the New Testament, we are familiar with the idea that we, Christians, are all now priests, and as such should leave our garments of sin behind and be clothed in the garments of the priesthood. “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light,” 1 Peter 2:9.
Of course, we know that this is not about dress at all but about life. It’s about how we, as Christians, should conduct ourselves. The Apostle Paul addresses this in a statement about baptism that links our understanding of baptism to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Extending that analogy, Jesus, when he was resurrected, left His graveclothes behind, we the baptised should also leave our graveclothes behind.
“Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.” Romans 6:11-13
Think on these things:
- Are you still holding on to any aspects of your old life as you attempt to walk with Jesus in newness of life?
- Can you identify any person, place, or activity that you need to leave behind?
- What is your biggest challenge to giving up your past life?
Prayer focus:
Let us pray today that we would leave what should be left behind.
In His Grace
Pastor Alex