24.206 | THE FAITHFUL WOMEN | Mark 15:40-41 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon

God’s Word For Today

Text: Mark 15:40-41 (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.

THE FAITHFUL WOMEN

On this crucifixion day, Judas Iscariot is dead (Mat 27:3–10) The rest of the Twelve are scattered except John. There is no mention that Jesus' brothers are anywhere nearby (Mark 3:20–21; John 7:5). But, the women are there looking on from the distance. In John’s account, he mentions Mary Magdalene, Jesus' mother, His mother's sister, and the wife of Cleopas—mother of James the younger and Joses. When Jesus sees His mother with John, Jesus charges John with making sure Mary is cared for.[John 19:25-27]

Jesus is the oldest son and Joseph is apparently deceased, He is responsible for Mary. John is there, he is fiercely faithful to Jesus, and he will live longer than any of the other disciples. John takes Jesus' charge willingly, "and from that hour the disciple took her to his own home" (John 19:27).

But here, Jesus' mother is not mentioned as Jesus dies, and neither is it claimed that John is present. It's possible John has already taken Mary and her sister away so they do not have to witness the cruel end.

Yet, many women remained. Salome is John's own mother (Mat 27:56). Mary Magdalene has followed Jesus for years, ever since Jesus cast seven demons from her (Luke 8:2). Mary, the mother of James and Joses, is identified as the wife of Cleopas who is also known as Alphaeus (John 19:25; Luke 6:15). Later on, Mary Magdalene and Mary the wife of Cleopas will follow Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus to see where Jesus is going to be buried (Mark 15:47; John 19:39). These two Marys plus Salome, and Joanna will return after the Sabbath to prepare Jesus' body for burial (Mark 16:1; Luke 24:10).

Like these faithful women, we are thankful for faithful women who courageously follow the Lord. There were women who defied odds by anointing Jesus with expensive ointment and their own tears (Luke 7:37–39; John 12:1–8; Mark 14:3–9). Women helped to provide the Jesus’ needs in His ministry[luke 8:1-3]. In the same manner, godly women have important roles in our churches and ministries today.

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