ROLL AWAY THE STONE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: John 11:38-44
"Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days." – John 11:39
Supporting Texts: Mark 16:3-4, Isaiah 43:19, Luke 1:37, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, Psalms 30:5
INTRODUCTION:
The story of Lazarus in John 11 is one of the greatest demonstrations of Jesus’ power over death. However, before Lazarus could come out of the grave, Jesus commanded that the stone be rolled away. The stone represents barriers, limitations, and obstructions that hinder resurrection, restoration, and breakthroughs. Today, God is saying to you: “Roll away the stone,” because new life is about to manifest in your situation.
1. WHAT DOES THE STONE REPRESENT?
The stone symbolizes obstacles that prevent the full manifestation of God’s power.
a) The Stone of Unbelief
Doubt and lack of faith hinder miracles (Mark 6:5-6).
b) The Stone of Fear
Fear prevents people from stepping into God’s promises (2 Timothy 1:7).
c) The Stone of Sin
Sin separates man from God’s intervention (Isaiah 59:2).
d) The Stone of Negative Words
Speaking doubt and fear can block breakthroughs (Proverbs 18:21).
e) Biblical Example:
The Israelites’ unbelief kept them from entering the Promised Land (Numbers 14:27-30).
2. WHY MUST THE STONE BE ROLLED AWAY?
Until the stone is removed, Lazarus cannot come forth.
a) It Allows Divine Intervention
Jesus did not remove the stone Himself; He asked the people to do it (John 11:39).
b) It Demonstrates Our Obedience
Obedience activates miracles (Isaiah 1:19).
c) It Reveals God’s Glory
Jesus said if they believed, they would see the glory of God (John 11:40).
d) It Breaks Every Hindrance to Life
Death and stagnation must give way when the stone is removed (John 11:43-44).
e) Biblical Example:
When the stone of doubt was removed, the woman with the issue of blood received her healing (Mark 5:25-34).
3. HOW TO ROLL AWAY THE STONE
The process of removing the stone requires spiritual action.
a) Speak the Word of Faith
Declare God’s promises over your situation (Mark 11:23).
b) Engage in Prayer and Fasting
Some breakthroughs require deep intercession (Matthew 17:21).
c) Repent and Surrender to God
Sin must be removed to access divine power (Acts 3:19).
d) Act in Obedience
Faith without works is dead (James 2:17).
e) Biblical Example:
The walls of Jericho fell when the Israelites obeyed God’s instruction (Joshua 6:20).
4. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE STONE IS REMOVED?
Once the stone is removed, divine manifestations follow.
a) Dead Things Come to Life
Lazarus came forth at the voice of Jesus (John 11:43).
b) Testimonies Will Abound
Many believed in Jesus because of this miracle (John 11:45).
c) Destiny is Restored
Lazarus’ life was extended beyond the grave (John 12:1-2).
d) Barriers Are Permanently Broken
Jesus showed His power over every limitation (Romans 8:11).
e) Biblical Example:
The grave could not hold Jesus back; He arose victoriously (Matthew 28:5-6).
5. KEYS TO SUSTAINING YOUR BREAKTHROUGH AFTER THE STONE IS ROLLED AWAY
It is important to maintain the victory after the stone is removed.
a) Stay in God’s Presence
Lazarus sat with Jesus after his resurrection (John 12:2).
b) Guard Against Doubt and Fear
Hold on to your faith even after the miracle (Hebrews 10:23).
c) Remain in Prayer and Worship
Thanksgiving preserves blessings (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
d) Walk in Obedience to God’s Word
Disobedience can bring back previous struggles (Deuteronomy 28:1-2).
e) Biblical Example:
The healed leper who returned to give thanks received wholeness (Luke 17:17-19).
CONCLUSION:
The stone must be rolled away before resurrection and restoration can take place. Whatever is blocking your destiny, your miracle, or your breakthrough must be removed. As you take steps of faith today, every spiritual and physical limitation shall be broken in Jesus' name.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, every stone blocking my breakthrough, roll it away now!
2. I reject the spirit of doubt and unbelief in Jesus' name.
3. Every satanic limitation over my destiny, be removed by fire!
4. Father, call forth my buried blessings and opportunities.
5. Every grave holding my finances, career, or ministry, release them now!
6. Lord, restore everything that has been lost or delayed in my life.
7. I receive strength to walk in obedience to divine instructions.
8. Every voice speaking death over my life, be silenced permanently.
9. Father, let my testimony bring many to Christ.
10. I declare that no power can hinder my rising again!
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. Every stone covering your breakthrough is rolled away now!
2. Whatever has been buried in your life shall come alive again.
3. You will not be hindered by any obstacle in Jesus' name.
4. Your testimony shall cause others to believe in God’s power.
5. Every dead situation in your life shall hear the voice of God and rise again.
6. No power will stop your divine manifestation.
7. You are walking out of every grave of limitation and delay.
8. Your life shall be a living proof of resurrection power.
9. Doors that were shut against you shall be opened speedily.
10. From today, you will walk in divine freedom and victory!
May the Lord remove every stone blocking your testimony and give you total victory in Jesus’ name! Amen!