“Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance” John 20:1
What was the purpose of that stone, the boulder that was placed as a sealant across tombs in Biblical times? The purpose of the stone was to separate that which was inside from that which was on the outside. It served as a visible barrier between the living and the dead!
That stone made a declaration to all passing by that that which it concealed; that which was behind it, would never again make a contribution or impact on the world of the living! It was gone, it was dead, it was buried.
However the Bible says in John 20:1 that when Mary Magdalene went to the tomb she saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance!
That stone, the barrier between life and death was rolled away!
That stone, which was meant to keep everyone out, was rolled away!
The message it usually conveyed to passersby, would now be a different one!
The message conveyed by a sealed tomb – death was present!
The message conveyed by an open tomb – life is present!
The rolled away stone at the tomb of Jesus - would be a token of hope, peace and reconciliation.
What a glorious message those women were given that day, and which we are reminded of this morning.
- It was a message of hope.
- A message of life.
- A message of victory.
It was a message that everyone needed to hear that first Easter morning; one that everyone needs to hear on this Easter morning.
“He is not here! He is Risen!”
Because He lives, we will live also!
He had conquered death, hell and the grave!
The stone across Jesus’ tomb, which symbolised separation and death, was removed to open the way to reconciliation and life!
The promise of resurrection and eternal life is yours – this promise is mine!
With a mighty triumph o’er his foes.
He arose a victor o’er the dark domain,
And he lives forever, with his saints to reign!
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!
(Robert Lowry, 1826-1899)
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