Mark 16: 1-13

John 20:1-18—

3 Stones We Must Roll Away in Order to See Jesus Clearly

1 - The stone of finality (‘it’s over!’)… the lie that what you see is where it must all end.. Easter is the reminder where life lays you down in death, and defeat…. Jesus wants to bring you into resurrection… the statement “look where they have laid him” is not for one time, but for all time… a subtle promise for all those who would call upon his name.. Some of us don’t need more effort… we need our eyes dilated to see that what we thought was over… God calls it unfinished.

2 - The stone of unbelief (‘I don’t trust it!’)… two times the woman try to tell the disciples he is risen and two times they deny it. What do you need to see for you to trust Jesus fully? What do you need God to do for him to show you he is real? The Easter season is about promises fulfilled, even if you don’t believe they have been… and training your eyes to see what he has done, more than what you wished he had done more of. Unbelief isn’t lack of evidence… it’s ownership of undeveloped vision.

3 - The stone of misrecognition (‘I don’t/can’t see him’). Mary couldn't recognize Jesus because she thought he was a gardner, Cleopas couldn't recognize him because he was a traveler on the road (Luke 24), Thomas doubted him unless he could see the nail marks in the hands and pierced side (John 20). We do not have a compartmentalized Christ, but an ever-present, and ever-near Saviour. We miss him not because he isn’t there… but because our eyes haven’t been trained properly to see him.

A Moment of Dilation-

1 - Repent of any sin… or things in your heart you know hinder God from drawing close.. be specific

2 - Invite the grace and mercy of God to wash over you where you sit. Repeat the phrase slowly “Jesus would you wash me today”

3 - Repeat the phrase “come Holy Spirit”.. and invite the Holy Spirit into your heart today..

4 - Give God permission to lead your life today… that you would walk in truth and conviction and in the ways of his word and will.