Meaning of Luke 24:2

The discovery that the stone had been rolled away from Jesus' tomb by the women on the first day of the week signifies a pivotal moment in the Christian narrative, marking the undeniable evidence of the resurrection. This event, witnessed by Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and other women, immediately signaled that something extraordinary had occurred, transcending the natural order and the security measures of Roman crucifixion. The stone, a massive barrier intended to seal the tomb and prevent any tampering, being moved indicates divine intervention, a powerful demonstration of God's triumph over death and the grave. It was not merely a removed obstacle but a visible testament to the resurrection, a prerequisite for the women to enter and discover the empty tomb, initiating the proclamation of the good news.

Context and Background

This verse occurs within the Gospel of Luke's account of the resurrection of Jesus. Following Jesus' crucifixion and burial, the women, who had followed him and witnessed his death, prepared spices and ointments to anoint his body, as was customary. They came to the tomb early on the first day of the week, still under the assumption that they would find Jesus' body within. The presence of the rolled-away stone was the first indication that their expectations would be profoundly altered. This was not an ordinary burial; the tomb was secured, and its seal was broken by an unseen force.

Key Themes and Messages

The primary theme is the triumph of God's power over death. The rolled-away stone is a tangible symbol of this victory. It also highlights the unexpectedness of divine action, as the women, coming with sorrow and specific intentions, encountered a miraculous reality. Furthermore, it underscores the reliability of God's promises, as the resurrection was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and Jesus' own declarations. The event also points to the beginning of a new era, the era of the resurrection and the inauguration of the Christian faith.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, the rolled-away stone represents the removal of barriers that separate humanity from God. It signifies that through Christ's resurrection, sin and death no longer hold ultimate power over believers. For individuals, this means access to forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and the hope of eternal life. It encourages faith in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, reminding believers that God can move any "stone" in their lives that prevents them from experiencing His presence and His purpose.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This event is the linchpin of the entire Christian faith, validating Jesus' claims and the authority of his teachings. It is the ultimate fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant, the Passover symbolism, and numerous prophetic passages in the Old Testament that spoke of a suffering servant and a victorious Messiah. Without the resurrection, Jesus would be merely another historical figure, and his sacrifice would lack its redemptive power. The empty tomb, evidenced by the rolled-away stone, confirms that Jesus is indeed the Son of God and the Savior of the world.

Analogies

One analogy is a locked door that suddenly swings open. The stone was the lock, preventing access or further understanding. Its removal signifies an unexpected and divinely orchestrated opening, revealing a new reality. Another analogy is a great wall that crumbles without human effort. The stone represented a formidable barrier, and its displacement by divine power demonstrates an insurmountable obstacle being overcome, paving the way for passage and revelation.

Relation to Other Verses

• Matthew 28:2: "And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it." This parallel account explicitly attributes the rolling of the stone to an angelic act, emphasizing the supernatural nature of the event.
• John 20:1: "On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb." This verse corroborates the presence of the removed stone and the early hour of its discovery.
• Romans 4:25: "who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification." This verse highlights the salvific purpose of Jesus' death and resurrection, with the empty tomb being the proof of his resurrection for our justification.
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures." The rolled-away stone is the physical confirmation of the resurrection described here.