but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It’s easy to skim past the list of women present at the cross, but John deliberately includes them to highlight profound courage. Their steadfast presence, in contrast to the disciples who fled, shows that loyalty and love can remain even in the face of unimaginable suffering and public shame. This wasn't just about witnessing; it was about bearing witness to love itself.
but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus, in the midst of his excruciating suffering on the cross, ensures his mother is cared for. John highlights the presence of Jesus' mother and other women, including Mary Magdalene, standing close by, a stark contrast to the disciples who had fled. This intimate moment sets up Jesus' final instructions to John to look after his mother, demonstrating his compassion even in his last moments.
Imagine the scene: utter devastation, the most agonizing death imaginable. Yet, a small group remains. Who are they, and what does their presence say about Jesus and His mission?
John's Gospel zooms in on a core group of faithful women standing by the cross, a stark contrast to the crowds who had taunted Jesus.
A Witness to Suffering
This intimate circle, though small, represents the faithful remnant who understood, or would come to understand, the true significance of the cross. Their presence anchors the divine drama in human reality, showing the personal impact of Jesus' suffering.
Even in His final moments, as agony consumes Him, Jesus demonstrates profound concern for others. What does this dying request reveal about His heart and His priorities?
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Amidst the excruciating pain and the fulfillment of His divine mission, Jesus' thoughts turn to the welfare of His mother.
A Son's Duty, Extended
This act underscores that Jesus' mission was not to detach Himself from human relationships, but to redeem and elevate them through His sacrifice.
Understand the original words
stauros · Greek Noun
An instrument of execution consisting of an upright post with a transverse bar. Biblically, it became the symbol of Christ’s substitutionary atonement, representing both the depth of human sin and the magnitude of God's saving love.
The presence of Jesus' mother and other women at the cross highlights the deep personal cost of his sacrifice and the faithfulness of his followers, even amidst immense suffering and public shame.
c. 2 BC - AD 30
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus travels, teaches, and performs miracles, gathering disciples and facing opposition from religious authorities.
c. AD 30
The Last Supper and Betrayal
Jesus shares a final meal with his disciples, predicting his betrayal and establishing the sacrament of communion.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Arrest and Trial
Jesus is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, undergoes trials before the Jewish Sanhedrin and Roman authorities, and is condemned to crucifixion.
c. AD 30— this verse
The Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified at Golgotha. The Gospel of John focuses on the events and sayings at the cross, including the commission of his mother's care to John.
c. AD 30
The Burial of Jesus
Joseph of Arimathea, with the help of Nicodemus, takes Jesus' body and places it in a tomb. Some of the women, including Mary Magdalene, witness the burial.
c. AD 30
The Resurrection of Jesus
On the third day, Jesus is raised from the dead. Mary Magdalene is one of the first to discover the empty tomb and encounter the resurrected Christ.
This passage shows a group of women, including Mary Magdalene, watching Jesus' crucifixion from a distance, highlighting their steadfast presence and faith even when others fled.
Luke 2:48-51This shows Mary's deep concern for Jesus from a young age, as she sought him out after he was lost in Jerusalem, mirroring her presence and maternal care at the cross.
Galatians 4:4This verse speaks of Jesus being born of a woman, emphasizing his full humanity and the divine plan for his incarnation, which culminates in his suffering and death where his mother is present.
John 19:26-27These verses immediately follow, detailing Jesus' care for his mother by entrusting her to John, underscoring the profound human relationships even amidst the divine mission.
vincentJohn 19:25: "Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene."
There stoodImperfect tense, were standing.Mary MagdaleneStrictly, the (ἡ) Magdalene. She is introduced abruptly, as well known.
calvinJohn 19:25-27: "Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene."
- Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. 26. Jesus, therefore, seeing his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing by her, saith to his mother, Woman, behold thy son! 27. Then he saith to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own hom…
It’s easy to skim past the list of women present at the cross, but John deliberately includes them to highlight profound courage. Their steadfast presence, in contrast to the disciples who fled, shows that loyalty and love can remain even in the face of unimaginable suffering and public shame. This wasn't just about witnessing; it was about bearing witness to love itself.
Jesus, in the midst of his excruciating suffering on the cross, ensures his mother is cared for. John highlights the presence of Jesus' mother and other women, including Mary Magdalene, standing close by, a stark contrast to the disciples who had fled. This intimate moment sets up Jesus' final instructions to John to look after his mother, demonstrating his compassion even in his last moments.
Jesus, in the midst of his excruciating suffering on the cross, ensures his mother is cared for. John highlights the presence of Jesus' mother and other women, including Mary Magdalene, standing close by, a stark contrast to the disciples who had fled. This intimate moment sets up Jesus' final instructions to John to look after his mother, demonstrating his compassion even in his last moments.
"but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene." — It’s easy to skim past the list of women present at the cross, but John deliberately includes them to highlight profound courage. Their steadfast presence, in contrast to the disciples who fled, show…
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Last reviewed October 2026