The Shroud of Turin

Danny True

A recent news story appeared regarding a house that was unearthed in Nazareth (Jesus’ “Home Town” in Israel) that is surmised to be at least a neighbor of Jesus. Certain relics and, indeed, the building structure itself is dated to the same period in which Jesus lived on the earth.

Since its discovery, the shroud of Turin was attributed to be the actual burial cloth in which Jesus’ body was wrapped for burial (the procedure of the time). This cloth has supposedly been traced back to around the time frame of 30-40 AD,  however after testing  it has not been scientifically dated to that time.

The picture on the left is a recent negative (reversed) (and enhanced) photo of the “head” and face on the shroud. More advanced testing may be permitted in the next few years. It is currently on display in a sealed case in the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Turin, Italy.

In the Middle Ages (around 1129), the Knights Templar were involved in the infamous Crusades and became a successful movement in the Roman Catholic Church. They developed a system of banking and built many fortifications all over Europe. They were eventually “excommunicated” from the Church and disbanded in 1312. Most of the knights were hunted down and executed by the Church.

Legend has it that, while destroying and ransacking non-Christian cities, The Knights Templar  established as their quest, a search for the Holy Grail, the reputed cup that Jesus used during the Last Supper.  Supposedly they found and hid it yet it has never been found. Books and movies about the search for the Grail have been popular over the years.  Legends are stories about mythical events.

Archeology is an interesting field of study – discovering and trying to understand the past – how people lived, etc. In reality it is not as exciting as depicted in “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and similar movies. But, it is usually very rewarding to the scientists and researchers when they have a “significant” find.

The search for the robe of Jesus, the so-called chalice, the shroud of Turin; all these things have interest to those involved. However, what meaning do they have? Even if the shroud of Turin is authenticated to have been the burial cloth of Jesus, what then? Except for its archeological uniqueness, what would be gained? Whether we actually had the carpentry tools that Jesus used in Joseph’s home or the cross upon which He was crucified or any other accurately documented artifact, would that bring us closer to the man Jesus? I seriously doubt it.

This could compare to the puppy dog barking at and chasing a car — what does he do with it if  he catches it??

Just like the unending search for Noah’s ark as well as those things mentioned above, finding relics and trinkets would be exciting, but will not make us “holy” or produce any magical response!

In the 1972 MGM movie, “Man of La Mancha”, the theme song was “The Impossible Dream”. Unlike the lyrics in this song, the search for Jesus is NOT an impossible dream! There is a way to “find” Jesus.

Man should be searching for the real Jesus and establish Him in their hearts – not in material, man-made objects from the past!  It is an historical fact; when man searches for Jesus they will find Him – not in the flesh as a living human being but in the “Spirit” as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Finding Jesus (not His artifacts) is far more rewarding than an archaeologist finding a new tomb in Egypt! Certainly the experience lasts longer – is eternity long enough??

If you do not know Him personally, we have prepared a guide to help you  find Jesus. However we can’t do it for you; it has to be your quest. But, your journey can be made easier by following the “do it yourself” guide:  Salvation in Jesus.

From the song :

“And I know if I’ll only be true
to this glorious quest
that my heart will lie peaceful and calm
when I’m laid to my rest”

(from “The Impossible Dream”, music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion)