The stone rolled away from Jesus’ tomb is a pivotal symbol of resurrection, victory, and divine power. After Jesus was crucified, His body was laid in a tomb hewn out of rock, and a large stone was rolled against the entrance. Matthew 27:60 notes, “He rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb and departed.”
This stone served as a physical barrier sealing the dead within, and symbolically, it represented the finality of death. Roman guards were stationed, and the tomb was sealed to prevent tampering (Matthew 27:65-66). Yet, none of this could hinder the power of God.
On the third day, Matthew 28:2 says, “And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.” The angel did not roll the stone away to let Jesus out, He was already risen. The stone was removed to show the world that the tomb was empty.
The rolled-away stone testifies that death could not hold the Son of God. Luke 24:6 proclaims, “He is not here, but is risen!” The women and disciples found not a sealed grave, but an open and empty one.
This moment confirms the truth of Romans 1:4, that Jesus was “declared to be the Son of God with power… by the resurrection from the dead.” It also affirms the hope of believers: “Because I live, you will live also” (John 14:19).
The stone rolled away is the divine announcement that Christ is alive, sin is defeated, and the grave has no victory over those who trust in Him.
