Why was it necessary for the ‘stone’ to be rolled away?
As we approach the Easter Season, I’m reminded of this question presented to me, many years ago. The person said no one had ever explained the reasoning. It started me thinking. I read & heard the account of that wonderful Easter morning many times. But I could not give a solid answer to his question.
I prayed and studied God’s Word seeking the answer. I remembered a pastor, where my wife and I were married, did a 6 month study on “The Wilderness Tabernacle”. He explained the meaning of every aspect of The Tabernacle. The most important thing was ‘The Mercy Seat’, which had 2 Cherubim/angels face to face. This is where the high priest at the appointed time would sprinkle the blood to atone for the sins of the people for a time.
Then I was reading in John chapter 20, after Peter and John had gone to tell the others Jesus had risen. In verses 11 & 12 it reads: “Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she stooped and looked in. She saw 2 white-robed angels, one sitting at the head and the other at the foot of where the body of Jesus had been lying.”
It came to me. This was like the Mercy Seat in the Tabernacle. I realized, this woman would not have been allowed into even the women’s court of the Temple, at this time, she would be considered unclean. But here she was able to see and approach, freely, The Eternal Mercy Seat, Jesus Christ!!
So, The Answer to the question: “The Vail was torn, The Door was opened wide and The Stone was rolled away. The Path to The Mercy Seat/Jesus Christ was cleared that day!” Now Mary and every man, women and child go directly to Jesus, be covered by His Blood to wash away our sins and be Saved!
That was the birth of my song “Mercy From The Mercy Seat” on “Still Putting God First” CD!
The Positive Cowboy/Jim Sheldon
