These three ladies--Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, and Salome--are making their way to the tomb with the intention of anointing the dead, lifeless body of Jesus with spices. So early Sunday morning, the morning after the Sabbath, these ladies got up with the intention of anointing the dead body of Jesus. That was their plan. That’s what they intended to do--nothing more, nothing less.They were not expecting a miracle. They were not expecting the Resurrection. They were certainly not expecting Jesus to be alive. They were not expecting anything of significance to happen. They were simply going to the tomb for the gruesome, heart wrenching task of anointing the dead, lifeless body of Jesus.
As they were walking down the road to get to the tomb, it dawns on one of them, that they have a problem--a rather significant problem. A big question arises. The women ask each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”
It’s a very good question. They can’t roll the stone away themselves. How are three little women going to make that rock roll? How in the world are they going to move that thing?
A family bought some boulders for landscaping--really, big rocks to use as part of their landscape design for the front of the house. One of the boulders seemed really, really big, and because of the tendency to change her mind someone reminded mom: “you tell us exactly where you want this rock because once it’s on the ground, it’s not moving.” This huge boulder is not like the end tables, couch and everything else that’s not nailed down in our house that seems to be moved every other Saturday. Once this baby is in place--it’s there until Jesus returns.”
Who is going to move the rock from in front of the tomb? Now you understand it’s a perfectly good question . . . if Jesus were still in the tomb. If Jesus were as dead as dead could be then that would be a very good question to ask. Who is going to remove the stone? It is a question that I hear people asking even today.
People say: “I have a huge obstacle to overcome. I was abandoned as a child, how can I ever feel accepted? Good question . . . if Jesus were still in the tomb. Or they say, “My life is in shambles after being laid off, when will I ever find work again?“ Or they say, “My alcoholic mother told me don't expect any help to care for my brat once my baby was born, how can I ever forgive her for her cruel and bitter attitude? My marriage is a mess, how could it ever be made right? Good question . . . if Jesus were still in the tomb. I hear students complain, “I’m failing the semester and in such a rut over a bad habit—alcohol and drugs or whatever--how can I ever break free?” Good question . . . if Jesus were still in the tomb!
But people, it’s a brand new day! Jesus is not in that old grave! He is not in the tomb. You won’t find a tombstone that reads: “Here lies Jesus Christ. May He rest in peace.” No! Jesus is alive. And just as He conquered death and defeated our ultimate foe He can defeat whatever burdens you are experiencing at this moment. This is a day for hope not despair. There is no obstacle in your life that He can not handle!
Who’s gonna move that rock, ladies? Jesus has already taken care of that problem! Who’s going to take care of obstacles in your life? Jesus Christ is more than able to handle anything that comes your way.
God prays for us as we reflect: “The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock!” (Psalm 18:46).
Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends on this Resurrection Day. With this prayer of faith. He was bruised and brought healing! He was dead and brought life! When I fall, He lifts me up! When I fail, He forgives! When I am weak, He is strong! When I am lost, He is the way! When I am afraid, He is my courage! When I stumble, He steadies me! When I am hurt, He heals me! When I am broken, He mends me! When I face problems, He comforts me! When I face death, He carries me home! God is by my side and all is well with my soul.
