Mark 16:3
And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?
MARK 16:3
In Mark 16:3, the Marys wonder who will roll away the stone so they may approach the tomb. The concern reveals both fear and practical urgency. The large stone blockade symbolized not only a sealed tomb but an obstacle to their grief and their intent to anoint Jesus. The size of the stone emphasizes human limitation and need for divine intervention. The moment underscores that the disciples’ and followers’ plans often intersect with unforeseen divine action.
This verse sets up the dynamic between human vulnerability and God’s providence. It foreshadows the empty tomb and the angelic announcements to come. The women’s question reveals their trust in the ordinary means—recourse to human effort—to access the beloved Teacher. Yet the narrative quickly shifts to reveal that God’s plan supersedes human constraints. It points to the truth that God often works through ordinary people stepping into extraordinary moments.
We all face “stones” blocking our path—obstacles in relationships, finances, or timing. The takeaway is not to panic but to bring our concerns to God and seek wise, practical help when needed, while trusting that God can remove barriers in unexpected ways. In daily life, identify a blockage you’re facing, name it, and ask: what small steps can I take this week to move forward? And invite God to do what seems impossible.
Cross-References
- Matthew 28:2-4
- Luke 24:2-3
- Isaiah 54:17
- Romans 8:31