Matthew 27:55
There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "ministering to him" points to a continuous devotion, suggesting these women weren't just passive observers but had actively supported Jesus throughout his journeys, demonstrating a profound loyalty that outshone the disciples' temporary abandonment. Their presence at a distance, while painful, highlights both their courage and their sensitivity in that deeply tragic moment.
As Jesus hangs on the cross, a group of devoted women, who had followed him from Galilee and supported him with their resources, are present, watching from a distance. Their courageous, though distant, vigil stands in stark contrast to the disciples who had fled. These women, witnessing Jesus' suffering and death, were the first to see his empty tomb and announce his resurrection.
While the disciples scattered, a group of women stood by. What does their presence reveal about true devotion?
The scene at the cross is stark. Many who had promised unwavering loyalty—like Peter—had fled. Yet, Matthew highlights the presence of 'many women' who 'followed Jesus from Galilee.' These women, often seen as less influential in public life, demonstrated remarkable courage and steadfast love.
Their proximity to the cross, though 'from a distance,' was a profound act of faithfulness in the face of immense danger and public humiliation. Their loyalty contrasts sharply with the disciples' fear, showing that devotion isn't about outward strength but a deep, abiding commitment.
This wasn't a casual observation; they were 'beholding,' witnessing. Their act of being there, ministering not just with resources but with their presence, speaks volumes.
The women 'ministered to him,' but at the cross, Jesus needed little physical help. What does this statement truly signify?
The phrase 'ministering to him' carries a dual meaning in this context.
Then and There: While at the physical moment of the crucifixion, Jesus's needs were met through divine provision and suffering, their presence itself was a form of ministry. It was a powerful testament to their love and support when he was most vulnerable and forsaken.
And Before: The text also looks back to their journey from Galilee. These women had actively supported Jesus and his disciples with their own resources during his ministry. They provided practical help, showing a deep commitment that extended beyond mere admiration.
Their ministry wasn't just about grand gestures but about consistent, practical care, demonstrating that discipleship involves tangible support.
Understand the original words
diakoneō · Greek Verb
To serve or care for someone's physical or material needs; in a spiritual context, it involves devoted support and service to the Lord and His mission.
These women's steadfast presence at the cross, a stark contrast to the absent disciples, highlights their deep devotion and loyalty, demonstrating a courage and attachment that often shames outward professions of faith.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus conducts His public ministry, primarily in the region of Galilee, attracting a following that included many women who were healed, taught, and ministered to Him.
c. AD 30
Journey to Jerusalem
Jesus and His followers, including a contingent of women from Galilee, make the journey to Jerusalem for the Passover festival.
Passover Week, AD 30
Jesus' Triumphal Entry
Jesus makes a public entry into Jerusalem, celebrated by crowds, but also recognized by religious leaders as a challenge to their authority.
Passover Week, AD 30
Jesus' Arrest and Trial
Following the Last Supper, Jesus is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, tried by Jewish authorities, and subsequently by the Roman governor Pontius Pilate.
Passover Week, AD 30
This passage lists some of the women who followed Jesus, emphasizing their role in providing for Him from their own resources, directly paralleling the description in Matthew 27:55 of their 'ministering.'
John 19:25This verse names specific women present at the cross, including Mary Magdalene and the mother of James and Joses, confirming the presence of the women mentioned in Matthew and highlighting their steadfastness even when the male disciples fled.
Philippians 2:5-8While not a narrative passage, this text describes Christ's humiliation and suffering, which these women were faithfully witnessing from a distance, demonstrating a similar selfless, humble spirit to that of Christ.
1 Peter 4:12-13This passage speaks of suffering for Christ and rejoicing in His glory, which resonates with the women who, despite the pain of witnessing Jesus' crucifixion, remained loyal and likely found hope in Him even then.
clarkeMatthew 27:55: "And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:"
Many women - To their everlasting honor, these women evidenced more courage, and affectionate attachment to their Lord and Master, than the disciples did, who had promised to die with him rather than forsake him. Beholding afar off - At a distance - απο μακροθεν. Though this expression may be understood to refer, rather to the distance from which they came, (viz. from Galilee)…
gillMatthew 27:55: "And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:"
And many women were there,.... At the cross of Christ, at some little distance from it; but where was Peter, who had declared he would never be offended, though all men were; and would die with Christ, rather than deny him? and where were the rest of the disciples, who said the same things? None were present excepting John, as can be learnt from the evangelists; but many women…
The phrase "ministering to him" points to a continuous devotion, suggesting these women weren't just passive observers but had actively supported Jesus throughout his journeys, demonstrating a profound loyalty that outshone the disciples' temporary abandonment. Their presence at a distance, while painful, highlights both their courage and their sensitivity in that deeply tragic moment.
As Jesus hangs on the cross, a group of devoted women, who had followed him from Galilee and supported him with their resources, are present, watching from a distance. Their courageous, though distant, vigil stands in stark contrast to the disciples who had fled. These women, witnessing Jesus' suffering and death, were the first to see his empty tomb and announce his resurrection.
As Jesus hangs on the cross, a group of devoted women, who had followed him from Galilee and supported him with their resources, are present, watching from a distance. Their courageous, though distant, vigil stands in stark contrast to the disciples who had fled. These women, witnessing Jesus' suffering and death, were the first to see his empty tomb and announce his resurrection.
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Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified at Golgotha outside Jerusalem, an agonizing public execution carried out under Roman authority.
Passover Week, AD 30
Burial of Jesus
Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple, requests Jesus' body from Pilate and, with Nicodemus, places it in a new tomb.
"There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him," — The phrase "ministering to him" points to a continuous devotion, suggesting these women weren't just passive observers but had actively supported Jesus throughout his journeys, demonstrating a profou…
