What Easter Teaches About Faith and Worry

Have you ever found yourself completely stressed about a problem, only to discover that someone has already taken care of it? That moment of relief when you realize all your worry was unnecessary? This is exactly what happened to the women who came to Jesus’ tomb on Easter morning, and their story reveals something profound about the questions we ask when we’re facing life’s biggest challenges.

The Women at the Tomb: A Story of Misplaced Worry

In Mark chapter 16, we encounter three devoted women - Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome - making their way to Jesus’ tomb. These weren’t casual followers; they were among his most faithful disciples who had stayed with him even when there's fled. They came with spices to anoint Jesus’ body, driven by love and respect for their crucified Lord.

But they had one overwhelming concern: “Who will roll the stone away?” - Mark 16:3.

This wasn’t a small worry - the text specifically tells us the stone “was very large.”

Why Were They Asking the Wrong Question?

The questions “Who will roll away the stone?’ was perfectly logical if Jesus was dead. It demonstrated their love and dedication. But here’s the problem: they were asking a question that only made sense if Jesus was still in the tomb.

Experience vs. Faith

These women were basing their questions on their experience rather than their faith. They had seen Jesus die. They had watched him be buried. The stone was massive and immovable by their strength. From their perspective, they were asking the right question.

But Jesus had repeatedly told his disciples what would happen. In Matthew 16:21, he said he “must be killed and on the third day be raised.” In Matthew 17, after the transfiguration, he again told them “The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again”.

The problem wasn’t that Jesus was unclear - the problem was that their immediate experience was overwhelming their faith in his promises.

What Happens When We Ask Questions Based on Fear Instead of Faith?

When we ask questions rooted in our limited perspective rather than God’s promises, we end up worried about things we don't need to worry about. The women’s anxiety about the stone was completely unnecessary because God had already solved that problem.

The Reality Check

The stone hadn’t shrunk - it was still very large. But someone with greater power had already moved it.

This is crucial to understand: your problems don’t become smaller when Jesus is involved. Your cancer is still serious. Your job loss is still significant. Your broken marriage is still painful. The stones in your life are still very large. But Jesus has the power to move them.

The Life-Changing Question: What Does the Empty Tomb Mean?

When the women entered the tomb, an angel gave them the answer that changes everything: “He is risen.”

Three Words That Change Everything

“He is risen” contains three transformative truths:

He - You have a personal redeemer. Jesus came on a rescue mission specifically for you. His very name means “God’s salvation,” and he came “to seek and save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).

Is - This represents a permanent result. Easter isn't just a historical event - it’s an ongoing reality. Because he lives, you can face whatever tomorrow brings.

Risen - This is a promised resurrection. As Acts 2:24 tells us, “But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip.” The grave could not hold him.

Stop Asking Questions That Only Make Sense if Jesus is Dead

The most important question isn’t about your circumstances - it’s about whether death has won or Jesus has won. If Jesus has won (and he has), then everything else falls into perspective.

The Real Question

Instead of asking “Who will roll away my stone?” ask “What does the empty grave mean for my life?” The answer is that every problem, every difficulty, every impossible situation can be placed in his hands because he has already demonstrated his power over the greatest enemy - death itself.

Life Application

This week, identify the “stones” in your life that you’ve been worrying about - those problems that seem too big for you to handle. Instead of asking “How will I move this stone?” start asking “How does Jesus’ resurrection power apply to this situation?”

Remember that the women’s stone was still very large when they arrived at the tomb, but it had already been moved. Your problems may still be significant, but Jesus has the power to handle them. Stop asking questions that only make sense if Jesus is dead, and start living in the reality that he is alive and actively working in your life.

Questions for Reflection:

• What “stones” in your life have you been trying to move in your own strength?
• How might your perspective on current challenges change if you truly believed Jesus has power over them?
• Are you basing your question on your limited experience or on faith in God’s promises?
• What would it look like to trust Jesus with the problems you’ve been losing sleep over?