Matthew 27:55-56
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The verse highlights that these women weren't just observers; they were the very ones who had traveled with Jesus from Galilee, actively serving His needs along the way. Their presence at the crucifixion, though from a distance, reveals a profound loyalty that surpassed even the promises of His male disciples.
There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Jesus hangs dying on the cross, a group of women who had followed him from Galilee, faithfully serving his needs along the way, are present but watching from a distance. Their steadfast presence offers a stark contrast to the disciples who had largely fled, highlighting their courage and devotion even in Jesus's darkest hour. These women would later be among the first to discover the empty tomb.
When Jesus's closest male followers scattered in fear, a group of women stayed. What does their presence reveal about true discipleship?
The scene at the cross is a stark contrast between fear and faithfulness. While the disciples, who had boldly declared their loyalty, fled, 'many women' remained. These women, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, demonstrated a profound courage and deep affection for their Lord. Their presence, even 'from a distance,' signifies a commitment that transcended the danger and shame of the crucifixion. This wasn't a fleeting moment; it was the culmination of their journey with Jesus, showing that genuine faith often shines brightest when tested the most.
These women had 'followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him.' What does this service looked like, and what does it teach us about serving Christ today?
The phrase 'ministering to him' refers to the practical, ongoing support these women provided Jesus and his disciples throughout their ministry. This involved using their own resources to meet the daily needs of the traveling group. Though they could offer no physical aid to Jesus on the cross itself—he was beyond their help in that moment—their presence was a powerful testimony of their continued devotion. This shows us that ministry to Jesus isn't always about grand gestures; it's often found in consistent, humble service, using whatever we have to support His work and His people.
Why did these faithful women watch 'from a distance'? The reasons might surprise you and speak volumes about humility and respect.
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The text notes that the women were 'beholding afar off.' Commentators suggest a few reasons for this distance. It could be due to the shame and scandal of crucifixion, a desire to maintain modesty in the face of such brutality, or simply the physical crowd and soldiers surrounding the cross. Regardless of the precise reason, their position highlights a reverent awe. They were not casual observers; they were witnesses to a profound, divine sacrifice, understanding its gravity even if they couldn't fully grasp its meaning at that moment. Their distance didn't diminish their devotion; it framed it with solemn respect for the suffering Savior.
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.
The presence of these women at the cross, despite their distance, highlights their steadfast loyalty and courage in contrast to the fleeing male disciples, showcasing a remarkable devotion that extended from Jesus' Galilean ministry through his final moments.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples. Many women follow him during this period, some of whom provide practical support and resources.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Final Journey to Jerusalem
Jesus deliberately travels to Jerusalem for the Passover, knowing his arrest and crucifixion are imminent. The women who followed him from Galilee accompany him on this journey.
Nisan 14, AD 30— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is arrested, tried, and crucified. The women who followed him from Galilee are present, watching from a distance, unlike most of the male disciples who fled.
Nisan 15, AD 30
Burial of Jesus
Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple, requests Jesus' body from Pilate and, with Nicodemus, buries it in his own new tomb.
Nisan 17, AD 30
Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus is raised from the dead. The women who had ministered to him are among the first to discover the empty tomb.
This passage directly names some of the women who followed Jesus and ministered to Him, providing context for the loyal group mentioned in Matthew's Gospel.
John 19:25This verse offers a more specific, though slightly different, account of who was present at the cross, emphasizing the close female followers who remained faithful.
Philippians 2:5-8While Matthew highlights the women's devotion, this passage speaks to the incredible humility and self-emptying love of Christ Himself, the very One they followed and served.
1 Samuel 15:22This verse speaks about obedience being better than sacrifice, which reflects the deep-seated commitment and faithful action of these women who ministered to Jesus.
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 verse highlights that these women weren't just observers; they were the very ones who had traveled with Jesus from Galilee, actively serving His needs along the way. Their presence at the crucifixion, though from a distance, reveals a profound loyalty that surpassed even the promises of His male disciples.
As Jesus hangs dying on the cross, a group of women who had followed him from Galilee, faithfully serving his needs along the way, are present but watching from a distance. Their steadfast presence offers a stark contrast to the disciples who had largely fled, highlighting their courage and devotion even in Jesus's darkest hour. These women would later be among the first to discover the empty tomb.
As Jesus hangs dying on the cross, a group of women who had followed him from Galilee, faithfully serving his needs along the way, are present but watching from a distance. Their steadfast presence offers a stark contrast to the disciples who had largely fled, highlighting their courage and devotion even in Jesus's darkest hour. These women would later be among the first to discover the empty tomb.
"There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee." — The verse highlights that these women weren't just observers; they were the very ones who had traveled with Jesus from Galilee, actively serving His needs along the way. Their presence at the crucifi…
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Last reviewed October 2026
