Every action Jesus took was a lesson for His disciples. Even folding His head napkin before exiting the tomb had great meaning and significance for us!

“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 KJV).

Calm Authority

Chaotic, intemperate, out-of-control leadership is stressful and difficult to endure. It is the polar opposite of what Jesus modeled. During His time on earth Jesus encountered and handled severe opposition and many devious schemes to trick or entrap Him. He was attacked by pious religious folks as well as sinful government leaders and faced pushback from all types.

His response was always wise, authoritative, and calm.  He even demonstrated calm authority when He rose from the tomb. If His disciples or some grave robbers had stolen His body, they certainly would not have taken the time to remove His grave clothes, lay them out neatly and fold His headcloth separately. They would likely have been in a panic, especially with Roman soldiers guarding the tomb.

Jesus did not leave the tomb in a panic. He left serenely, without fear or worry, and with calm authority. His demeanor was always peaceful and when He entered a room of worried, confused disciples, He calmly stated, “Peace be unto you” (John 20:19). With authority He commanded stress and worry to leave the disciples and be replaced with peace, “the peace of God which transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

He did it for me! After a somewhat invasive medical procedure on Monday, I had severe, agonizing, unrelenting abdominal pain all day Tuesday and much of the night. I could not rest or find any comfortable position. But in the wee hours of the morning on Wednesday, Jesus came in my room and spoke peace to me. I fell asleep and woke up with no pain!  

We see chaotic, intemperate leadership in our nation today, but that is temporary. Thank God for giving us the privilege to lean on, trust in, and be confident the calm authoritative permanent leadership of the One who, unlike Lazarus, calmly removed His own grave clothes and folded His head covering! The One who voluntarily sacrificed His life and had the authority to take it up again! When the Leader displays calm authority, there is NEVER any reason for the followers to panic.

Focus Quote: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan” (Proverbs 29:2 NKJV).