It is no doubt that women played a very instrumental role in the life and ministry of Jesus. From His birth, to His childhood, His ministry, death and resurrection, women were instrumental pillars. This post will dwell on the women who were present at Jesus' crucifixion. First we need to understand that these dedicated and committed women were not sightseeing. They had been with Jesus for most part of His ministry. These women had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for His needs (Matthew 27:55; Mark 15:41,Luke 23:49). Thus, these women are better known as ministry financiers. As Jesus was going about spreading the word of God, these women ensured that His needs were met. Probably they provided money for food and other items needed for the missions. After Jesus was arrested, the apostles scattered. The very bold ones to follow Him to the trial were John and Peter. Of these two men, Peter boldly denied Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69).
Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons. (Matthew 27:55-56)
Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome. (Mark 15:40)
The journey to Golgotha was a rough one. Jesus had been scourged and was still made to carry His own cross until Simon of Cyrene was forced to carry the cross for the rest of the journey. Jesus was broken, wounded, in pain, and rejected by the very people He came down to save. The women still followed up to the cross even though their hearts were heavy with pain. All the four gospels mention that some women were present at the crucifixion (Matthew 27:55-56; Mark 15:40; Luke 23:49; John 19:25). According to Matthew's account, among the women were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons (Salome).
Mark's account mentions Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome. John's account also mentions that near the cross of Jesus stood his mother (Mary), his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. Apparently, the name Mary was quite popular during the time of Jesus.
While the majority of the disciples had fled for their lives, the women took the centerstage. They stood at a distance watching all the things Jesus experienced. They were hurting but they still stood there. They were scared but they didn't run away. These women loved the Lord even in death. They saw Jesus perform several miracles. They witnessed Jesus raise the dead. They saw the blind see and the sinner being made whole. They saw all these and yet, they saw their Lord, so powerful but meek enough to submit to sinful men. Imagine them recounting how Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. They remember Jairus' daughter and the son of the widow of Nain. Yet, this man, so powerful, was humble enough to submit to evil men. The women at the crucifixion understood gentle Jesus, meek and mild. They saw the perfect son of God as He was crucified with two criminals. They saw how the soldiers divided up Jesus' clothes by casting lots. As their Lord looked upon sinful men mocking Him and hurting Him, these women heard Jesus say: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34).
"Oh how He loves us" the women would have uttered to themselves. They saw their sister, Mary, the mother of Jesus and the pain she was going through. Yet, they stayed and didn't run away. Luke states that these women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph (of Arimathea) and saw the tomb and how Jesus' body was laid in it (Luke 23:55. From the missionary fields, to the cross and then to the tomb, the women saw the light of the world laid down and a huge stone rolled over to cover His tomb. They might have been gripped with fear and pain.
The cross was not the end and the tomb was not the end. These women loved the Lord even in His death. They didn't give up on Him. Are they challenging times that cause you to give up on the Lord? Do you run away at the slightest sign of pain? Remember, the women at the crucifixion saw it all, they saw the dead Jesus, yet they stayed to even see where He was buried. In case they had left midway to Golgotha, they would have just experienced the pain but missed the triumphant moment. Don't be quick to give up. Though the sorrows may last for the night, His joy comes in the morning. Crucifixion experiences may last for a time, don't miss the opportunity to see your manifestation on the resurrection. Yes! The tomb of life cannot hold your destiny captive. You are alive!
Comments