6th April 2026
The open door
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.
John 20:1 (NIV)
From this statement we can conclude that Mary expected to see the stone in place and the way locked to enter the tomb. So, how did she expect to get in, she could not remove the stone without help. Maybe she thought the gardener would let her in. Maybe she expected help to come, but wanted some alone time there at the entrance to pray; we just do not know all the facts. Though disappointed and heartbroken by the death of Jesus, Mary was still loyal to him. She needed to finish preparing his body for burial; thus, the spices mentioned in Mark 16:1-4.
Have you ever rushed into a project, but soon realised you did not have the means to finish it? Just working in my garden this spring, I realised this fact. I had plans to move things that were not that hard to move last time, but now, I find I no longer have the physical strength I need; I needed help. Mary and those with her proceeded to the tomb, and as they did so, they asked themselves how they were going to get past the stone barring the way.
Have you ever wondered why this stone needed to be rolled away? (Luke 24:2). Jesus did not need it to be removed; he could have just appeared on the other side as he did when he entered the locked room where the disciples met (John 20:19). I suggest that the stone was rolled away so that all could see that he was not there, that he had risen. Jesus conquered death: it could not hold him, it never could. Jesus entered our death and drew us out with him.
Not only is the way to Jesus unbarred, but we, along with him, are released from death’s grip, released from the tomb. The tomb is no longer the dwelling place for Jesus or for us, the stone was rolled away, we leave with Jesus, we dwell with Jesus eternally. I heard it said that doors were meant to open, thus making a way to come and go available. What was too difficult for us to do, Jesus did. Jesus removed the sin that barred the way to life. No longer are we behind the locked door of sin and death, but now we may walk out triumphantly with Jesus by our side.
Jesus is risen, he is risen indeed, and we are free to leave the tomb with him.
Prayer
Merciful and loving Father, we thank you for the gift of your Son, for the love you have poured out upon us, and for the freedom from sin and death. Thank you, God, for opening the door and allowing us to leave and follow you. In the name of our Saviour Jesus Christ, we pray, Amen.
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Study by: Anne Gillam About the author: |
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