What Concern Did They Have on the Way?
The question “What concern did they have on the way?” refers to the group of women who were traveling early on the first day of the week to visit the tomb of Jesus Christ after His crucifixion. This moment is described in the Gospel accounts, especially in Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John, where the women are portrayed as deeply devoted but also anxious about a major practical problem during their journey.
Their main concern was simple but significant: who would roll away the large stone from the entrance of the tomb so they could anoint Jesus’ body with spices?
This article explains their concern in detail, the background behind it, and its deeper spiritual meaning.
Background of the Journey to the Tomb
After the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, His body was placed in a tomb that was sealed with a large stone. According to the Gospel accounts, several women who had followed Jesus during His ministry decided to visit the tomb early in the morning after the Sabbath.
Among them were:
- Mary Magdalene
- Mary, the mother of James
- Salome (mentioned in Mark’s Gospel)
They went with a heartfelt purpose: to prepare Jesus’ body properly with burial spices, a customary act of love and respect in Jewish burial traditions.
However, as they made their way toward the tomb, an important practical concern began to weigh on their minds.
The Main Concern: The Heavy Stone
1. The Size and Weight of the Stone
The tomb of Jesus Christ was sealed with a large, heavy stone. This was not a small pebble but a massive circular stone designed to:
- Seal the tomb securely
- Prevent animals or intruders from entering
- Ensure the body remained undisturbed
The women knew that this stone would require significant physical strength to move.
2. Their Question on the Way
As they walked toward the tomb, the women asked themselves:
- Who will roll away the stone for us?
- How can we enter the tomb?
- Will we even be able to complete our task?
This concern shows both their devotion and their vulnerability. They were determined to honor Jesus, yet aware of their physical limitation.
3. Emotional and Practical Anxiety
Their concern was not only physical but also emotional. They were grieving the loss of Jesus and trying to fulfill a final act of love. Their thoughts likely included:
- Fear of failure in reaching the body
- Sadness over Jesus’ death
- Uncertainty about what they would find
- Concern about encountering guards or Roman authority
Despite all this, they continued their journey.
Why the Stone Was a Major Issue
The stone was a serious obstacle for several reasons:
Physical Barrier
- It was extremely heavy and likely sealed into a groove
- It required multiple strong men to move it
Security Measure
- The tomb had been guarded or secured to prevent tampering
- It was meant to stop any interference with the body
Emotional Symbol
- The stone symbolized finality and separation
- To the women, it represented the “end” of Jesus’ life and ministry
Faith Despite Uncertainty
Even though they were worried, the women did not turn back. Their journey reflects:
- Faithfulness: They still went forward despite the obstacle
- Love: Their devotion to Jesus outweighed their fear
- Courage: They faced uncertainty early in the morning, before sunrise
- Commitment: They intended to complete their burial duties no matter what
This makes their concern even more meaningful—it shows real human emotion mixed with deep spiritual devotion.
The Unexpected Resolution
When the women arrived at the tomb, they discovered something remarkable: the stone had already been rolled away.
According to the Gospel accounts:
- The stone was removed before they arrived
- An angel or divine messenger was present (in some accounts)
- The tomb was empty
This moment transformed their concern into amazement. What they worried about on the way was no longer an obstacle when they arrived.
Spiritual Meaning of Their Concern
The concern of the women is often interpreted symbolically in Christian teachings:
1. Human Limitations
The stone represents problems that seem too big to solve alone.
2. Unseen Divine Help
The stone was already moved before they arrived, showing that help came without their effort.
3. Faith Through Uncertainty
They acted in faith even without knowing how the problem would be solved.
4. Hope in Difficult Situations
Their story encourages believers that obstacles may already be resolved by the time they reach them.
Key Lessons from Their Journey
- Do not let obstacles stop you from moving forward in faith
- Sometimes solutions arrive before we reach the problem
- Love and devotion often push people beyond fear
- What seems impossible to us may already be handled in ways we cannot see
- Faith is continuing the journey even when answers are unclear
Conclusion
The concern the women had on the way to the tomb of Jesus Christ was primarily about the large stone sealing the entrance. They worried about how they would move it so they could complete the burial rituals. This concern reflects both practical difficulty and emotional burden, as they were grieving and uncertain about the future.
However, their journey ultimately reveals a powerful message: what seems like an impossible obstacle to humans may already be resolved through divine intervention. Their story continues to inspire faith, courage, and perseverance.