“The Stone Was Rolled Away for You.”

📖 Mark 16:4 – “But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away—for it was very large.” (NKJV)

🗣️ Sermon Script

Good morning, good afternoon, or good evening, wherever this message finds you.

Let me take you back to a quiet garden in the early morning. The sun was barely up. The air was still heavy with sorrow. A few faithful women, hearts shattered by the crucifixion, came carrying spices for a body they thought was still in the tomb.

But when they arrived...

They looked up...And saw...The stone had been rolled away.

Not just nudged. Not cracked, but it was rolled away. And friend, that’s not just history — that’s holy truth for your soul today.

1️⃣ The Stone Wasn’t Rolled Away for Jesus — It Was Rolled Away for You

Jesus didn’t need the stone removed to get out. He had already risen. Glorified. Victorious. The stone wasn’t His problem.

The stone was rolled so you could see in, so the women could see, so Peter and John could run and witness, so the doubters could no longer deny, and so you and I would have undeniable proof: the grave couldn’t hold Him.

✝️ “Come and see the place where the Lord lay.” — Matthew 28:6God moved the stone so you could move closer.

2️⃣ The Stone Wasn’t Thrown — It Was Rolled

God didn’t explode the rock in a show of divine fireworks. It was rolled.

Gracefully. Intentionally. As if to say, “I want you to come closer without fear.”

God’s power doesn’t come to terrify — it comes to testify. He didn’t move the stone in wrath… He moved it in welcome.

🙌 "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." — James 4:8

3️⃣ The Stone Became a Witness, Not a Wall

That stone had been a symbol of finality. Death. Separation. Roman soldiers guarded it. Sealed by men who thought they had silenced God.

But once rolled away — it became a pulpit.

That heavy stone became Exhibit A in the courtroom of eternity:

“He is not here — He is Risen!”

That which once blocked the way now points the way.

4️⃣ God Didn't Just Move the Stone — He Moved the Whole Story

John 20:1 uses a Greek word meaning the stone had been taken away — possibly a great distance.

Not slightly open. Not halfway. God doesn’t kinda-sorta deliver — He sets free completely.

Friend, whatever is sealing you in…Whatever’s weighing you down…He’s still rolling stones away.

If death couldn’t keep Him, what makes you think that depression can? If a Roman seal couldn’t hold Him, what makes you think your sin will stop Him?

📣 Closing Charge

I came to tell somebody today: The stone was rolled away for you so you could see, believe, and be free.

It’s not just an empty tomb —It’s a wide-open invitation to a brand new life.

🙏 Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for rolling away the stone — not just from the tomb, but from our hearts. We believe You are risen. We receive the power of Your victory. Help us walk out of our own graves and into the life You paid for. In Your mighty Name we pray, amen.