DID JESUS' GRAVECLOTHES SURVIVE?

Michael · Seventh-day Adventist Joined: 14 May 2004 Posts: 19

Has anyone here ever heard of the "Shroud of Turin", the alleged grave clothes of Jesus, which is said to have survived to this day? See this site for details including images of the cloth (shroud), if this is all new to you. What are your views on it? See some evidence which has been argued for its authenticity. Share your thoughts, and do feel free to disagree with the findings (but give valid reasons).

The following is a list of gospel references and comparisons with the Shroud. In Greek of the New Testament the Shroud is 'Sindon' (Italian, 'sindone'). It may be pointed out that the gospel of John mentions smaller pieces of cloth ('Othonia') used as chin bands. There is a facial cloth piece known as the 'Oveido cloth' kept in a cathedral in Oveido, Spain. This cloth does not show any image, but some blood marks are seen. There is evidence that this also came from the Tomb of Jesus. It is most likely the sudarium mentioned in John's gospel (John 20:7).

Gospel account Reference Shroud evidence

1. Jesus was scourged
Matt. 27:26
(also Mk. & Jn)
Body covered with severe scourge wounds, as many as 120 on the back (including the legs). Whipping was done probably a Roman flagrum. Evidence for two men whipping from two angles.

2. Jesus was struck a blow to the face
Mt. 27:30
(also Mk, Lk, Jn)
Severe swelling below the right eye; nose is swollen or broken.

3. Jesus was 'crowned' with thorns
Matt. 27:29
(also Mk, Jn)
Bleeding from the scalp; thorn fragments.

4. Jesus had to carry a heavy Cross
Jn 19:17
Shoulder wounds

5. Jesus' Cross had to be carried for him after a while
Mt.27:32
(also Mk, Lk)
Knees appear to be severely damaged as if from repeated falls.

6. Jesus was crucified by nailing hand and feet
Jn 20:25
Clear blood flows from nail wounds in the wrists and feet.

7. Jesus' legs were not broken, but a spear was thrust into his side
Jn 19:31-37
The legs are not broken; there is an elliptical would on the right between the 5th and the 6th side rib and appears to have been inflicted by a Roman lance.

8. Jesus had a Jewish lineage
Matt. 1:16
Shroud face resembles that of a Sephardic Jew.

The man of the Shroud was about 6 ft tall; had a beard and moustache. Perhaps parted hair. Middle aged (ca. 30 years old). Eyes appeared to be closed with something round.

How Do We Know the Shroud is Genuine?

This is a valid question that needs to be answered satisfactorily in our scientific age. The Shroud image has been studied with the aid of the most sophisticated scientific instruments and analytical techniques. Further investigations have been carried out by forensic analysis, numismatic (coin) studies and by checking ancient crucifixion and burial customs, particularly in first century Roman Palestine. The gospel accounts provide a most valuable resource in identifying the Shroud image as being probably that of Jesus of Nazareth (or so it is argued). The total amount of investigative work to too large to be covered here. Detailed information may be found from books published on the Shroud and from Shroud websites such as http://www.shroud.com/
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