Written by: Rev. Sirlene Bustos, Costa Rica North District Superintendent
“Who will roll the stone away?” . . . (it) was very large. Mark 16:3b, 4b
Biblically, resurrection day represents the climax of the Christian message. It is the day of victory and celebration. This is probably Peter’s version, which is the story of the human response to the resurrection. There is little of the supernatural. It says nothing of the earthquake or the frightened soldiers. In this version, Jesus does not come out to meet the women. Nevertheless, here we find a beautiful lesson.
The women had attended Jesus when he was in Galilee, and they followed him to Jerusalem. In contrast to the other disciples, they were present at the foot of the cross when Jesus died. Their culture required them to anoint his body. Early in the morning they bought the spices they needed and, with pain in their hearts, went to complete their final ministry. Biblical commentators tell us the stone normally used in this circumstance was about two meters wide by one meter high. There were also other security measures taken at Jesus’ tomb. From a human perspective, the question “Who will roll the stone away?” was appropriate. When they asked the question they were still far from the tomb and the sun had not yet risen, so they could not see clearly. There really are many obstacles when we try to see impossible, immovable things from far away.
Verse 4 says, “but when they looked up . . .”, the problem was resolved. Without anyone doing anything, when Christ is raised in us, everything changes. They were looking for a dead body, but the young man dressed in white said, “He has risen! He is not here.” They were afraid, but before the empty tomb the message is, “Don’t be alarmed.” They came to the tomb to do a job of profound sadness caused by death, but left with a new commission that would bring life, hope and trust to many. They returned to the others sharing the marvelous news of the Risen Jesus. “But go . . .” not only to those who were weeping over my death, but go also to Peter, who represents all who have betrayed and denied us. This comes with a beautiful promise. “He is going ahead of you.” We cannot silence the message of the good news because of fear or our impossibilities. We draw near and see that the tomb is empty. “Jesus is ALIVE!”
