Figure 1. The Great Stone at Mount Nebo examined through archaeology, scientific analysis, and the biblical account of Mark 16:4.
Figure 2. Simon Brown measuring the Great Stone at Mount Nebo, Jordan, during research into its possible connection with the large stone described in Mark 16:4.
Revealing the True Tomb of Jesus
By Simon Brown.
At the end of 2011, I, Simon Brown, presented the evidence from my research which, I believe, reveals that the Great Stone at Mount Nebo is the very stone described in Gospel of Mark 16:4 and Gospel of Matthew 27:60 — the stone rolled into place to seal the tomb of Jesus Christ.
Most Christians are aware that the tomb of Jesus was sealed by a large rolling stone placed there by Joseph of Arimathea. According to the Gospel accounts, this was not an ordinary stone. Mark specifically describes it as “exceedingly large.”
For nearly two thousand years, the location of this stone remained unknown. I believe that God has now revealed it.
Just as Jim and Penny Caldwell of the Split Rock Research Foundation identified what they believe to be the Split Rock of Exodus 17:6, I believe I have discovered the missing link connected to the tomb of Jesus: the Great Stone of Mark 16:4.
This stone is unlike any other in the world.
The Beginning of the Search In 2007, after becoming deeply fascinated by the subject of the tomb of Jesus, I produced a documentary film titled Our Search For The Tomb of Jesus.
During the filming, my team and I carefully measured the exterior channel at The Garden Tomb. Our goal was simple: to determine the size of the stone that would have originally sealed the tomb.
Figure 3. The Garden Tomb in Jerusalem, a rock-cut tomb regarded by many Christians as a possible site of Jesus' burial, examined here in connection with archaeological research into the large stone described in Mark 16:4.
I believed that if the stone could ever be found, it would identify the true tomb of Jesus.
Why was this important?
Because both Matthew and Mark clearly state that the stone sealing the tomb was not of ordinary size. Mark 16:4 says:
“And having looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away, for it was exceedingly large.”
This detail is crucial.
Years passed after my research, and making my documentary film titled Our Search For The Tomb of Jesus.
and I had no expectation that I would ever encounter such a stone. Then one day, while watching a Christian video, I saw something extraordinary — a massive circular stone at Mount Nebo.
I was stunned.
The moment I saw it, I believed there was something deeply significant about it. After studying the footage further, I became convinced that I needed to travel both to Mount Nebo and to the Garden Tomb itself in order to compare measurements, rock samples, and physical characteristics.
I believed God was revealing something remarkable.
Gathering the Evidence At that time, representatives of The Garden Tomb Association agreed, although somewhat reluctantly, to hear my findings.
They permitted me to collect evidence and later present my research to them.
I travelled to both Mount Nebo and the Garden Tomb to conduct detailed examinations.
What did my research reveal?
The Great Stone at Mount Nebo matched the Garden Tomb in remarkable ways:
The same colour
The same type of stone
The same thickness
The same height
Identical chisel marks
Most significantly, the stone measured approximately 15 inches thick — exactly matching the 15-inch-wide rolling channel at the Garden Tomb.
Figure 4. Simon Brown comparing the Great Stone at Mount Nebo with the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem as part of archaeological research into the large stone described in Mark 16:4.
Laboratory analysis in the United Kingdom also indicated that rock samples from the stone and the tomb were consistent with one another.
Figure 5. Simon Brown standing beside the Great Stone at Mount Nebo, Jordan, during archaeological research into its possible connection with the large stone described in Mark 16:4 and the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem.
For nearly 2,000 years, this massive stone sat near Mount Nebo at a village until it was found under rubble and then was moved to the location of where it is now at Mount Nebo, with no clear explanation for its existence. Even those guarding it today did not know its age, origin, or purpose. Yet these Christians had continued protecting it as though it were a treasure.
Why?
I believe the answer is now clear.
The Question of Size.
One of the major objections raised by staff associated with the Garden Tomb was that the Mount Nebo stone was “too large” to fit the tomb. They argued that the original stone would only have measured between four and five feet in diameter.
But does a four- or five-foot stone qualify as “exceedingly large”?
I do not believe so.
Stones of that size were common in ancient tombs. The stone at Mount Nebo, however, is enormous — truly deserving the description given in the Gospel of Mark.
In the Greek text, the phrase used can be translated as “very large” or “exceedingly great.” The Mount Nebo stone fits that description perfectly.
Furthermore, old photographs of the Garden Tomb, dating from approximately 1898 to 1946, reveal what appears to be an additional stopping stone positioned within the channel. This detail is extremely important because it helps establish the likely diameter of the original rolling stone.
Based on this evidence, I concluded that the original stone measured between nine and ten feet in diameter.
That changes everything.
A Stone With No Explanation
An article published by the International Symposium of Heritage Interpretation describes the Mount Nebo stone as a “large circular tomb door.” The article acknowledges that the stone was brought to Mount Nebo from another location and states that its origin and purpose are unclear.
But I believe its purpose is not unclear at all.
I believe this is the missing Great Stone from the tomb of Jesus Christ.
Others have also recognised the unusual nature of this discovery. One commenter on my YouTube channel described the evidence as “potentially explosive.”
Author Perry Stone referred to the Mount Nebo stone in his book Secrets from Beyond the Grave as “a massive rolling stone.”
Bob Mitchell of Shofar Ministries suggested that Byzantine believers may have preserved the stone and moved it to Mount Nebo as a memorial to the Resurrection.
Testing All Things.
Despite the measurements, the laboratory analysis, the matching chisel marks, and the photographic evidence, some still reject the conclusion that this is the original stone from the tomb of Jesus.
But Scripture says:
“Test all things. Hold fast to what is good.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:21
That is exactly what I have attempted to do.
The evidence should be examined carefully and honestly.
The Bible itself remains reliable and true.
In Acts 13:41 we read:
“Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.”
Perhaps that verse applies even today.
A Testimony to the Resurrection
I believe the Great Stone at Mount Nebo stands as a testimony to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Overlooking the Promised Land, this stone reminds mankind that God sent an angel to roll away the stone from the tomb — declaring that death had been conquered and the debt of sin fully paid.
Jesus Christ rose from the dead.
And because He lives, those who believe in Him have the promise of eternal life.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
— John 3:16
What do you believe?
Related Videos and articles:
Figure 7. Cover of Simon Brown's documentary "Tomb of Jesus," presenting archaeological research into the Garden Tomb, the Great Stone at Mount Nebo, and the biblical account of Mark 16:4.
https://youtu.be/RBNbWLmQ57k?si=A7YaS8r2O5MixUPd
Figure 6. Early research announcement by Simon Brown introducing the Great Stone at Mount Nebo and summarising the archaeological investigation into its possible connection with the large stone described in Mark 16:4.
Click on image to enlarge
Click on image to enlarge
Click on image to enlarge
Please click on Simon's book to read for FREE.
Please click on Simon’s DVD to order.
CORRECTION THE GREAT STONE IS 9’8''
For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. Mark 4:22. New International Version (©1984)
Here are the correspondents of the emails regarding this discovery of The Great Stone.
I Simon Brown sent an email to the monastery at Mount Nebo asking PLEASE DO YOU KNOW WHERE THIS STONE CAME FROM? and DO YOU KNOW HOW OLD IT IS AND WHY IS IT THERE? 2 days later I received an email from them saying it was found in a old village and was used as a fortified door for a monastery. But here was the exciting bit. They did not know how it got there or why it was made in the first place. Here was their email
Sent: Mon, Jan 10, 2011 9:44 am
Subject: Re: Mount nebo. large rolling stone.
Dear Sir,
The stone was a rolling door (!) found near the Mount Nebo and put there to protect and show it.
Regards
Fr. Carmelo Pappalardo
Director
Francisca Archaeological Institute on Mount Nebo
I was so confident this was the stone to the tomb that I sent emails to the Garden tomb in Jerusalem for the attention of the new manger Richard Merion. As you would expect I received no reply. I called the garden tomb staff by phone and asked would they please ask Richard to call me in the UK. To my surprise he called me. I told him who I was and that I was very familiar with the history of the garden tomb, as I had in the past done much research and made a film of it. I decided to pop the big question which I didn't think he would believe. "Richard, if I told you I have discovered the missing rolling stone to the garden tomb would you believe me?" He said at this stage he wouldn't say, but he would be willing to hear my case and would I email him with the updates? Perhaps I could meet him in London to present the evidence. I was very pleased with his cooperation and told him I would gather all the facts together and then call him. After some weeks I emailed Richard again, telling him that I am going to make a trip to take measurements of both the stone and the garden tomb. Getting no reply to my emails I spoke to Richard for the second time. He seemed reluctant to co-operate and told me he had sent me an email, which I never received. I asked him to resend it, but It still did not come. I then received an email from Mr Victor Jack at the Garden Tomb Association in London. He said he was not really bothered about whether the stone is found or not, and that similar claims had been made by Ron Wyatt, which proved to them not to be true. However he said that Richard Merion would hear my case.
Here below you can read all the emails to and from, Mr Richard Merion Director, and Victor Jack Chairman of the Garden Tomb (Jerusalem) Association.
Sent: Wed, Feb 9, 2011 10:42 am
Subject: Re: Subject: URGENT For the attention of Mr TV Jack.
Dear Mr Brown,
Thank you for your email. I have been involved with the Garden Tomb for over 20 years and during that time we have had a number of claims by other individuals to have found the Rolling Stone and even the ark of the Covenant under Skull Hill. None of these have been found to be true.
At the moment I will leave our very efficient Director, Richard Meryon, to correspond with you, as he has asked for further evidence to substantiate your claim. I couldn’t ask our Garden Tomb Council to meet with you until further confirmation of your claim is received.
We have always taken the view that the message of the death and resurrection of Jesus is our prime focus and the reason for the existence of our ministry in Jerusalem. Skull Hill, the empty tomb, the cistern and the wine press are all powerful visual aids that enhance that ministry but we have never claimed that our site is definitely the place where Jesus died and rose again, even though some think it is.
Richard will keep me informed.
Yours sincerley, in our risen Lord, Victor Jack.
From: Simon Brown [mailto:mrsimonbrown@aol.co.uk]
Sent: Friday, February 25, 2011 12:43 PM
To: mail; victor.jack@virgin.net
Subject: For the attention of Mr Richard Merion
The Missing Rolling Stone For The Garden Tomb.
Dear Mr Richard Merion with reference to my previous emails and my telephone conversations with you.
As I agreed with you. I have kept my promises and presented the evidence of my case regarding this being the Great missing stone from the garden tomb.
However you have never once had the decency to acknowledge any of my many emails.
Regardless to you stating to me you would communicate by email.
Mr TV Jack also stated to me you would hear my case.
Is this how you normally treat your brothers in Christ?
I pray you will receive this wonderful news the lord has now revealed to the world with joyful hearts.
In the name of Jesus.
Simon Brown
www.realdiscoveries.org
From: richard meryon
Sent: 26 February 2011 12:22
To: 'mrsimonbrown@aol.co.uk'
Cc: 2 Victor JACK(GTA)
Subject: Your rolling stone
Simon
I am rather hurt by the tone of your e-mail as I have not received anything from you by e-mail. I have just done another search and cannot find any trace of receiving your thesis.
I await the evidence and will give it a good read. Please send it to me; I will acknowledge its receipt, and will then let you know of the ministry’s response.
Yours faithfully
Error! Filename not specified.
Richard Meryon
www.gardentomb.org
From: Simon Brown [mailto:mrsimonbrown@aol.co.uk]
Sent: 26 February 2011 16:50
To: richardmeryon@talktalk.net
Subject: The Missing Rolling Stone For The Garden Tomb.
Dear Richard I don't mean to hurt you in any way. However I did what I said I would do which is to send you all the very hard work I have done. By presenting my case. And when I hear nothing I get hurt also.
Lets continue to be brothers in Christ and move on.
All I ask now is you hear my case so I can then go forward. Here is the link which has much of the facts.
http://www.realdiscoveries.org/modules/articles/item.php?itemid=264&com_mode=nest&com_order=0#comment21
I do have far more evidence which I would be willing to talk to you about at a later date.
In Jesus name
Simon Brown
-----Original Message-----
From: Richard Meryon (TT) <richardmeryon@talktalk.net>
To: 'Simon Brown' <mrsimonbrown@aol.co.uk>
Cc: 2 Victor JACK(GTA) <victor.jack@virgin.net>
Sent: Sat, Feb 26, 2011 3:43 pm
Subject: RE: The Missing Rolling Stone For The Garden Tomb.
Dear Simon
Thank you. Now that I have access to your hyper-link, I will spend some time studying it.
I will also raise the subject at our next trustees’ meeting and let you know if the trustees want to pursue your offer.
For the Glory of God
Richard Meryon
www.gardentomb.org
From: Simon Brown [mailto:mrsimonbrown@aol.co.uk]
Sent: 01 March 2011 17:17
To: richardmeryon@talktalk.net
Cc: victor.jack@virgin.net
Subject: Re: The Missing Rolling Stone For The Garden Tomb.
Dear Richard I have now made a 40 minute film presenting all the evidence of the Great Stone.
Would you like me to send you and Jack a copy?
Simon Brown
www.realdiscoveries.org
-----Original Message-----
From: Richard Meryon (TT) <richardmeryon@talktalk.net>
To: 'Simon Brown' <mrsimonbrown@aol.co.uk>
CC: victor.jack <victor.jack@virgin.net>
Sent: Tue, 1 Mar 2011 16:10
Subject: RE: The Missing Rolling Stone For The Garden Tomb.
Dear Simon
Please feel free to do so:
The Garden Tomb
PO Box 19462
Jerusalem 91193
Israel.
Victor and I will view it next time he is here.
Most sincerely
Richard Meryon
www.gardentomb.org
-----Original Message-----
From: Simon Brown <mrsimonbrown@aol.co.uk>
To: richardmeryon@talktalk.net; victor.jack@virgin.net
Sent: Thu, Mar 10, 2011 12:57 pm
Subject: Re: The Missing Rolling Stone For The Garden Tomb.
The Missing Rolling Stone For The Garden Tomb.
Dear Richard I hope your well.
Richard do you have any dispute with my claim regarding the evidence I have sent you so far please?
Simon Brown
From: Simon Brown [mailto:mrsimonbrown@aol.co.uk]
Sent: 15 March 2011 12:07
To: richardmeryon@talktalk.net; victor.jack@virgin.net
Subject: Fwd: The Missing Rolling Stone For The Garden Tomb. just incase you haven't received this
Dear Richard I am just sending you this email again below as I have not received a reply so just incase you haven't received this here it is again
Blessings In the name of Jesus Christ
Simon Brown
From: richard meryon
Sent: 16 March 2011 21:19
To: Simon Brown
Cc: 2 Victor JACK(GTA)
Subject: RE: The Missing Rolling Stone For The Garden Tomb. just incase you haven't received this
Simon
1. I have replied very time – have you checked your spam filter?
2. Please do not continue to saturate me; I have told you that you will hear from the GT Chairman when he has canvassed the trustees’ opinions. And you will.
For God’s Glory
Richard Meryon
www.gardentomb.org
OK Richard THANKS.
S Brown
Last and final email from Victor Jack, Chairman of the Garden Tomb (Jerusalem) Association.
Dear Simon,
A possible Stone
While you have in the main been corresponding with our Director in Jerusalem, both he and you have kept me fully advised of your enquiry, of your research and of your offer. Thank you.
Many people approach the Garden Tomb (Jerusalem) Association with a broad variety of requests and suggestions. Everyone is well-meaning, often genuinely sincere, but not all are in harmony with our own ministry’s purpose. I have been closely involved with the Garden for over 20 years so I am well versed with all these contacts.
As Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the GT(J)A I presented both your report and the video clip to the whole Board at our trustees’ meeting in London, on Tuesday 15th March 2011. I regret to inform you that the Board did not believe that what you have offered enhances the ministry of the Garden. Furthermore, if you raised all the funds and the necessary permissions to re-locate the stone from Mount Nebo to East Jerusalem, the Board will still not accept your offer.
Our Trustees have also asked me to tell you that we are deeply concerned that you have broken two long-standing rules of the Garden Tomb, which is a private Garden, in that you not only took video in the Garden without our permission, you also took away material (the rock that you are seen to pick up from outside the tomb) without are permission.
The Board is also very concerned by your reference, without our being able to verify what you say, to communication with staff of the GT(J)A in your publicity. I therefore ask you to remove all reference to any communication with the GT(J)A, either positively or negatively, in any publicity.
To avoid any future disagreements that might embarrass either or both parties, let us agree that the GT(J)A neither confirms or denies its position with regard to the Mount Nebo stone. We also ask you not to allow any of your filmed footage in the Garden Tomb to appear in the public domain.
Our response may disappoint you, but we have a responsibility to uphold the ministry with which we have been entrusted.
Yours sincerely,
Victor Jack
Chairman of the Garden Tomb (Jerusalem) Assoication
PO Box 19462
Jerusalem, 91193
Israel
Simon Brown to victor.jack, richard, bstreather - 18 Mar 2011
Dear Victor Jack Thank you for your kind email.
May The Lord God Bless you.
In The Name Of Jesus
Simon Brown
www.realdiscoveries.org
There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. Luke 12
Figure. Cover of Simon Brown's documentary "Tomb of Jesus," presenting archaeological research into the Garden Tomb, the Great Stone at Mount Nebo, and the biblical account of Mark 16:4.
Related articles:
.jpg "Research Comparing the Great Stone with the Garden Tomb")
