Definition: And he stooping down, [and looking in], saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this short passage from John 20:5. It’s a really important and mysterious part of the story of Jesus’ resurrection. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: Jesus was hanging on the cross with his followers. After he died, something amazing happened – he rose from the dead! This verse describes what he did immediately after his death. Let's unpack it word by word: "John 20:5" : This is a specific verse in the Gospel of John. “And he stooping down, [and looking in]” : This tells us Jesus was lowering himself to a lower position – almost kneeling. The quotation marks around “looking in” are very important. It means he lowered his head and looked at something. "saw the linen clothes lying" : This describes what he saw – he saw some old, worn-out linen clothes. So, what’s the big deal? This is a key part of the story that suggests something significant happened before Jesus was taken up to heaven. It's symbolic and open to interpretation, but here are a few possible explanations: A Sign: Some believe this symbolizes the garments worn by Jesus before his death. They suggest the linen clothes represent his earthly life and sacrifice. A Promise: It could be that Jesus was showing his followers something significant – a promise of his future resurrection and victory over death. A Preparation: It might indicate that he was preparing for his ascension or return to heaven, signifying that his ministry was complete. "Yet went he not in." This is the most intriguing part. It’s a crucial detail! It means Jesus didn't move or travel further after looking at those clothes. Why is this significant? The fact that he didn't go in, even after looking at the clothes, suggests: He was finished: He had completed his mission and was no longer needing to move. A Final Revelation: It could be a final sign or revelation of his resurrection – a definitive confirmation that he is truly alive! In short, this verse paints a picture of Jesus’s immediate aftermath – a moment of quiet contemplation followed by an act of stillness and significance. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the story? Explore different interpretations of what this verse might mean?