55 “There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, 56 among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.” (Matthew 27:55–56 (ESV)
40 “There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41 When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.” (Mark 15:40–41 (ESV)
48 “And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. 49 And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things.” (Luke 23:48–49 (ESV)
“But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.” (John 19:25 ESV)
In our study of the Gospel of Matthew’s record of the Passion Week of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is necessary, and insightful, to examine all four Gospel accounts. This discipline provides us understanding of all the events and encounters which took place during those hours.
We saw the response by the Roman Centurion and the soldiers to Jesus’ death. What about the others in attendance? How did they react to the Lord’s demise?
Luke recorded the crowds who were there for the spectacle went back to their homes beating their breasts. They were striking themselves in remorse and regret; not only for what they had seen but also what they had done in mocking the Lord.
Luke also mentioned Jesus’ acquaintances (γνωστός; gnostos). These were men who knew Jesus, but who may, or may not, have been sincere disciples.
Finally, all four Gospels mentioned the many women in attendance. Some were close to the Lord; physically at the scene of His death and relationally during His life. All of them followed Jesus since the earliest days of His ministry in Galilee.
The women included the following: Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph (Joses) who was also the wife of Clopas, and Salome, who was the wife of Zebedee and the mother of James and John. There was also Mary, the mother of Jesus who also was Salome’s sister.
“One other group of Christ’s followers remained near Him at the end—the faithful women who had loved and served Jesus during His ministry. Mark tells us that many women were there when Jesus died, including “Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome” (Mark 14:40–41),” states Dr. R. C. Sproul.
“Mary Magdalene, of course, was our Lord’s most well-known female disciple, from whom He had driven seven demons. Many scholars believe the other Mary was Jesus’ mother (6:3). Salome was the mother of Zebedee’s sons James and John (Matt. 4:21; 27:56). Their mention is significant, for women were not often regarded very highly in first-century culture and would not have been expected to have the kind of courageous faith that enabled them to stay near Jesus when the men ran away. John Calvin notes that Mark mentions the women as a reproof of the male disciples. Those whom He called and would commission as Apostles were less faithful than those who would not receive the Apostolic office.”
Dr. William Hendriksen states, “Notable women were these, and this for at least three reasons: (1) With the exception of John none of the other disciples who belonged to the group of twelve is reported to have been present at Calvary, but these women were present! They displayed rare courage; (2) We are distinctly told they were women who had followed Jesus from Galilee and had been in the habit of ministering to his needs. They had given evidence of hearts filled with love and sympathy; and (3) Being witnesses of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection appearance, they were qualified witnesses of facts of redemption on which, under God, the church depends for its faith.”
These women were faithful to the Lord; even in His death. Are you prepared to stand firm for Jesus no matter the cost? Pray that the Lord would strengthen you to be faithful to Him. If you have denied Christ, repent and return to Him this day.
Soli deo Gloria!
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