Mark 16:3

They were asking one another, "Who will roll away the stone from the entrance of the tomb?"

Study Bible

They were asking one another
This phrase indicates a conversation among the women who were followers of Jesus. The Greek word used here, "ἔλεγον" (elegon), is in the imperfect tense, suggesting a continuous or repeated action. This implies that the women were deeply concerned and repeatedly discussing the issue as they approached the tomb. Historically, this reflects the communal nature of their journey, emphasizing the shared burden and collective faith of these women. Their dialogue underscores the human tendency to worry about obstacles, even when on a mission of faith and devotion.

Who will roll away the stone
The question posed by the women highlights their awareness of a significant physical barrier. The Greek word for "roll away," "ἀποκυλίσει" (apokylisei), suggests a large, heavy object that requires considerable effort to move. Archaeological findings confirm that tombs of that era often had large stones, sometimes weighing several tons, placed at their entrances. This detail emphasizes the realism of the narrative, as the women were aware of their limitations and the need for divine or human intervention to accomplish their task. Spiritually, this question can symbolize the barriers we perceive in our own lives, which seem insurmountable without divine assistance.

from the entrance of the tomb
The "entrance of the tomb" refers to the physical location where Jesus was laid after His crucifixion. The Greek term "μνημείου" (mnēmeiou) is used for "tomb," which denotes a memorial or a place of remembrance. Historically, Jewish burial customs involved placing the deceased in a rock-hewn tomb, often sealed with a stone to protect the body from animals and grave robbers. Theologically, the tomb represents both the finality of death and the anticipation of resurrection. The entrance, therefore, is not just a physical barrier but a symbolic threshold between death and life, despair and hope. The women's concern about accessing the tomb reflects their devotion and desire to honor Jesus, even in death, while also setting the stage for the miraculous revelation of the resurrection.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Women
The verse refers to the women who were followers of Jesus. They were going to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body with spices. These women include Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, as mentioned in the surrounding verses.

2. The Tomb
This is the burial place of Jesus after His crucifixion. It was a new tomb, hewn out of rock, and a large stone was rolled against the entrance.

3. The Stone
A large stone was placed at the entrance of the tomb to seal it. The women were concerned about how they would move it to access Jesus' body.

Teaching Points

Faith in the Face of Obstacles
The women approached the tomb with a practical concern about the stone, yet they proceeded in faith. This teaches us to move forward in faith even when we face seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Divine Intervention
The concern about the stone was resolved by divine intervention. This reminds us that God can and does intervene in our lives, often in unexpected ways.

The Role of Women in the Resurrection Narrative
The women were the first to witness the empty tomb, highlighting their important role in the resurrection account. This encourages us to recognize and value the contributions of all members of the body of Christ.

Preparation and Devotion
The women prepared spices to anoint Jesus' body, showing their devotion and love. This challenges us to consider how we can show our devotion to Christ in our daily lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the concern of the women about the stone teach us about facing challenges in our own lives?

2. How does the resolution of the stone being rolled away demonstrate God's power and timing in our circumstances?

3. In what ways can we show devotion to Jesus in our daily lives, similar to how the women prepared spices for His body?

4. How does the role of women in the resurrection account challenge or affirm your understanding of their role in the early church and today?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced an obstacle that seemed insurmountable. How did faith play a role in overcoming it, and what can you learn from the women's experience at the tomb?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 28:2
This verse describes how an angel of the Lord rolled back the stone from the entrance of the tomb, highlighting divine intervention.

John 20:1-2
This passage also recounts the discovery of the empty tomb, emphasizing the resurrection of Jesus.

Luke 24:1-3
Similar to Mark, this passage describes the women finding the stone rolled away and the tomb empty, reinforcing the resurrection account.