The Napkin About Christ's Head.
Jesus values even small acts of kindness and cares deeply for the efforts we make to win souls.
Andrew Bonar reflects on the significance of the napkin that was about Christ's head, emphasizing that it was not hastily discarded but carefully folded and placed aside, symbolizing Jesus' calm and triumphant resurrection. This act illustrates the tenderness of Joseph and Nicodemus, who wrapped the napkin around His brow, highlighting the beauty of kindness even amidst suffering. Bonar encourages believers to remain calm and assured in their faith, as Jesus values even the smallest acts of kindness done for Him. The sermon reminds us that our efforts, especially in difficult times, are precious to Christ and will be acknowledged in His return.
Text
'And the napkin, that was about His head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself ' John 20:7 Why 'wrapped together in a place by itself '? Because Jesus wished to show that He arose calmly: no haste, no hurry, not as if in flight from the tomb, but in solemn triumph and at leisure. So He wishes His people to be calm. 'He that believeth shall not make haste.' Yes, and see! He folded the napkin neatly and laid it by. But far more. That napkin had been put there by Joseph and Nicodemus. Christ very likely was as beautiful as Moses, but His face had been marred by suffering.
After His death the beauty all returned, and that was why they did not cover His face with a napkin, as John 11: 44.
Seeing the bleeding wounds caused by the crown of thorns, they carefully and tenderly drew the napkin round His brow. When Jesus awoke on the third day He noticed this act of kindness, and folded up the napkin and laid it in a place by itself, as indeed precious to Him, because it told the tenderness of their care for Him. They will hear more about this napkin when He returns. Thus He cares for the smallest acts of kindness we do for Him and to Him; how much more for what we do under difficulties and in suffering, and not least, for our efforts to win souls.
Sermon Outline
- The Significance of the Napkin
- The Napkin's History and Significance
- Christ's Care for Our Acts of Kindness
- He values even small acts of kindness
- He cares more for efforts made under difficulties
- He especially values efforts to win souls
Key Quotes
“He that believeth shall not make haste.” — Andrew Bonar
“He folded the napkin neatly and laid it by.” — Andrew Bonar
“Thus He cares for the smallest acts of kindness we do for Him and to Him;” — Andrew Bonar
Application Points
- We should strive to show kindness and care to Jesus in our daily lives.
- Even small acts of kindness can have a significant impact on Christ's heart.
- We should prioritize efforts to win souls and share the gospel with others.