WHO WILL REMOVE THE STONE?

4-20-25 Easter

WHO WILL REMOVE THE STONE?

By Pastor Gary Wayne

Text: John 8:2-12, Mark 15:42-16:8

After Jesus died, they took his body and wrapped Him in linen and laid Him in a tomb, then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.
Ver.3 “Who will roll away the stone?” Who will give us access to Jesus?

This morning I want to focus on the stone.
I want to talk about what different stones represent in life, and the power of God to remove every hindrance that would keep us from Him.

I want to start out by asking, what was the purpose of this stone?
Why did the angel roll away the stone?
It wasn’t to let Jesus out, but to let observers in. Jesus with His glorified body walked through walls, (Jn.20) so the stone wasn’t moved for Him, but for us.

Do you remember in the crucifixion story, what took place at the exact moment Jesus died? It is mentioned in 3 of the gospels. Mt.27:51, Mrk.15:38, Luk.23:45
The vail in the temple was torn from top to bottom.

What did the veil in the temple symbolize? (It served to separate man from the Holies of Holies.)
So, what does the veil being torn from top to bottom represent? (No more separation, but we have direct access to God.)

God still removes stones!

John 8:2-12
I want to point out v.10 that when Jesus was the only one left because He was the only one who had the right to stone her. He was the only one there that was without sin – yet what did He say? “Neither do I condemn you.”
Was this woman guilty? Yes. Did she deserve to be stoned? Yes.
Who can quote John 3:16? What about v. 17 “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

I believe that when they brought this woman to Jesus, they came prepared with rocks and stones in preparation for JUDGEMENT.
Why go to a good public stoning without throwing rocks?
Our text says after Jesus said, “He that is without sins cast the first stone,” I believe in the silence that followed, you could hear the sound of stones being dropped as people left.
What do these stones represent?

The Bible tells us that our enemy has a list of our wrongs – our sins – “this is what they did.”
The sad part is the list is true – Yes I did this, this is who I am. I’m guilty!!!
Exciting verse - Col.2:14 says that Jesus took that list of everting I have ever done wrong and took it out of the way by nailing it to the cross.
“He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.” (New Living Translation)
When He died, He took our sin and died in our place, canceling every sin.
Now all I must do is ask for His forgiveness and accept Him as the leader of my life.

THAT’S GOOD NEWS!!!

On the path that leads us to Jesus, you will notice it is littered with stones.
Stones that were meant to keep us living in a tomb.
Stones that once kept us from God.
Stones of accusations.
Stones of judgment meant to destroy us.

Is there anything keeping you from having access to Jesus?

Are there stones in your life that seem to keep you away from a close relationship with God?
Maybe it’s a list of wrongs – things you have done, and the enemy would come along side you and say, “Who do you think you are – What do you think you are doing – do you think God would have anything to do with someone like you?”
God still removes those stones.