What Obstacles Did They Expect to Face?
The question “What obstacles did they expect to face?” refers to the courageous journey made by the women who went to the tomb of Jesus Christ early on the first Easter morning. Recorded in the Gospels, especially Mark 16:1–3, these women set out to anoint Jesus’ body despite knowing that significant challenges awaited them.
Their journey was not only physical but emotional, social, and spiritual. Understanding these expected obstacles helps us appreciate their faith, devotion, and bravery—and reveals powerful lessons about perseverance and hope.
Historical Background: The Journey to the Tomb
After the crucifixion at Golgotha, Jesus’ body was placed in a sealed tomb outside Jerusalem. According to Jewish burial customs, spices were used to honor the deceased, but the Sabbath prevented immediate preparation.
When the Sabbath ended, several devoted followers—including Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome—set out at dawn to complete the burial rites.
On their way, they asked a practical question:
“Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” (Mark 16:3)
This single question reveals the many obstacles they expected to encounter.
1. The Massive Stone Blocking the Tomb
A Physical Barrier
The most obvious obstacle was the large stone sealing the tomb.
Why it was a problem:
- Tomb stones were extremely heavy.
- Designed to prevent grave robbery.
- Required several strong men to move.
- The women likely had no tools or assistance.
They walked toward the tomb without knowing how they would overcome this barrier. Yet they went anyway.
Spiritual Meaning
The stone represents:
- Human limitations
- Seemingly impossible situations
- Barriers between despair and hope
Their willingness to go forward despite uncertainty demonstrates deep faith in action.
2. Roman Guards and Political Authority
Another expected obstacle was the presence of soldiers.
The tomb had been secured under orders from Pontius Pilate, who authorized guards to prevent claims that Jesus’ body had been stolen.
Why This Was Dangerous
The women may have feared:
- Being stopped or questioned.
- Roman suspicion or hostility.
- Punishment for approaching an official burial site.
- Association with a condemned criminal.
Approaching guarded territory required courage, especially for women living under Roman occupation.
3. Fear of Religious Opposition
Jesus had been executed partly due to opposition from religious authorities. His followers were at risk.
The women likely expected:
- Surveillance from temple leaders.
- Social rejection.
- Possible arrest or harassment.
Unlike many disciples who fled in fear, these women moved toward danger out of love and loyalty.
4. Emotional and Psychological Obstacles
Perhaps the greatest obstacles were internal rather than external.
Grief and Heartbreak
They were mourning deeply:
- Their teacher had died violently.
- Their hopes for redemption seemed shattered.
- The future felt uncertain.
Walking to the tomb meant facing painful reality once again.
Courage in Grief
Despite overwhelming sorrow:
- They chose devotion over despair.
- They acted when others remained hidden.
- Love overcame fear.
Their journey shows that faith often moves forward even when emotions resist.
5. Cultural and Social Limitations
In the first-century Jewish world, women had limited public authority.
Expected challenges included:
- Lack of social power.
- Dependence on male permission or assistance.
- Being taken less seriously as witnesses.
Yet God chose these women to become the first witnesses of the resurrection, overturning social expectations.
6. The Uncertainty of the Unknown
Another obstacle was simple uncertainty.
They did not know:
- Who would help them.
- Whether they would even gain access to the tomb.
- What condition the body would be in.
Still, they continued their journey.
Lesson in Faith
Faith is often expressed not in certainty but in obedient action despite unanswered questions.
7. Darkness Before Dawn
The Gospel writers emphasize that they arrived very early, while it was still dark.
Symbolically, they walked through:
- Literal darkness.
- Spiritual confusion.
- Emotional despair.
The darkness mirrors humanity’s condition before the revelation of resurrection hope.
8. The Unexpected Outcome
Ironically, the obstacles they feared were already removed.
When they arrived:
- The stone had been rolled away.
- Guards were gone or powerless.
- The tomb was empty.
God had solved the problems before they even arrived.
This teaches an enduring spiritual truth:
Many obstacles we fear are already being handled by God ahead of us.
Spiritual Lessons From Their Expected Obstacles
Faith Moves Before Solutions Appear
The women did not wait for certainty. They acted first.
Key insights:
- Obedience often precedes miracles.
- Courage grows through action.
- Faith walks toward difficulty, not away from it.
Love Overcomes Fear
Their motivation was love for Jesus, not expectation of reward.
Love enabled them to face:
- Political danger
- Physical barriers
- Emotional pain
True devotion persists even when hope seems lost.
God Removes Impossible Barriers
The rolled-away stone symbolizes divine intervention.
It reminds believers that:
- Human effort alone cannot achieve salvation.
- God prepares victories before we see them.
- Resurrection hope transforms despair into joy.
Modern Application: Obstacles Believers Face Today
The women’s journey mirrors challenges people still encounter:
- Fear of failure
- Social pressure
- Emotional wounds
- Spiritual doubt
- Uncertain futures
Their story encourages believers to move forward faithfully even when solutions are unclear.
Practical applications:
- Take the next faithful step.
- Trust God with unseen outcomes.
- Act out of love rather than fear.
- Persevere through uncertainty.
Conclusion
The women who approached Jesus’ tomb expected many obstacles—an immovable stone, Roman guards, cultural barriers, grief, and uncertainty. Yet their courage and devotion transformed an ordinary act of mourning into the greatest discovery in history.
Their story teaches that faith does not wait for obstacles to disappear. Instead, it walks forward trusting that God is already at work.
The question “Who will roll away the stone?” reflects humanity’s deepest fears. The resurrection answers it with hope: God removes the barriers we cannot move ourselves.
Their journey from fear to faith continues to inspire believers to confront life’s challenges with courage, devotion, and unwavering hope.
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