Mark 16:3-4 - Homilies By A.f. Muir

"Who shall roll us away the stone?"

Two things occurred together in attempting the last service to the buried Christ—weak, though willing and loving instruments, and a practically insurmountable difficulty. They themselves were unable to roll away the stone which closed the sepulcher, "for it was exceeding great." This experience has often been repeated.

I. HOW FOREBODINGS OF DIFFICULTY IN CHRISTIAN SERVICE OFTEN ARISE .

1 . By discounting the help of Christ. They thought him dead and helpless.

2 . By calculating only one ' s own resources. Looking inward. The healthy outward and upward look at the indications of Providence and experience.

II. HOW THE GOOD INTENTION OF LOVING HEARTS IS REWARDED BY THE SAVIOUR .

1 . By finding the difficulty which had been anticipated already removed.

2 . By finding the intended service rendered unnecessary. The empty grave at first a disappointment, but afterwards a source of joy.—M.