Matthew 27:55-56
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)
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While the disciples scattered in fear, these women, who had faithfully followed Jesus from Galilee, remained to witness his suffering, demonstrating a remarkable courage and devotion that put the men to shame. Their presence and past service highlight a profound truth: true discipleship isn't always loud and public, but often quiet, consistent, and rooted in loving service.
As Jesus hangs on the cross, a group of women who had followed him from Galilee, serving him along the way, watch from a distance. Unlike most of his disciples who had fled, these women demonstrated remarkable courage and loyalty, remaining witnesses to his suffering even as others mocked him. Their steadfast presence stands in stark contrast to the disciples' earlier boasts and subsequent abandonment.
When the male disciples scattered in fear, who remained at the foot of the cross? These women, who showed incredible courage.
It’s striking how Matthew highlights the women present at Jesus' crucifixion. While the disciples, who had pledged their loyalty, fled, these women stayed. They are described as 'beholding afar off,' suggesting both a physical distance from the immediate scene of execution and perhaps a hesitant approach due to the surrounding soldiers and the intense public spectacle. Yet, their presence itself is a powerful testament to their deep devotion. Their faithfulness stands in stark contrast to the disciples' abandonment, revealing a profound spiritual bravery that defied the danger and shame of the moment.
These women weren't just spectators; they were active participants in Jesus' ministry. What does that transition look like at the cross?
The text states these women 'had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him.' This wasn't a new role; they had been serving Jesus practically throughout His ministry, likely providing for His needs from their own resources. Now, at the cross, their role shifts. They can no longer 'minister' in the same tangible way, as Jesus is beyond their physical aid. Instead, they become witnesses. Their watching from a distance is an act of bearing witness to His suffering, death, and the immense love that held them there. Their continued presence, even when they couldn't actively serve, highlights their unwavering commitment.
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, who had followed and ministered to Jesus since Galilee, highlights their deep devotion and courage, contrasting sharply with the fear and flight of many male disciples during Jesus' most vulnerable moment.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Galilean Ministry
Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee, attracting disciples and followers through his teachings and miracles.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Ministry Journey to Jerusalem
Jesus and his followers, including many women who ministered to him, journey from Galilee towards Jerusalem for the Passover.
Passover Week, AD 30
Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus enters Jerusalem with a large crowd, hailed as king, but his popularity also fuels opposition from religious leaders.
Passover Week, AD 30
The Last Supper and Arrest
Jesus shares his final meal with his disciples before being betrayed and arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Passover Week, AD 30
This passage directly lists women who followed Jesus and ministered to him, providing specific examples of the loyal group mentioned in Matthew's Gospel. It highlights their commitment through practical support of Jesus and the disciples.
John 19:25This verse names some of the women present at the crucifixion, including Mary Magdalene and 'the mother of James and Joses,' showing that these dedicated followers were indeed at the foot of the cross, despite Matthew mentioning them 'afar off.'
Philippians 2:5-8While these women's actions were voluntary, this passage describes Christ's own self-emptying service, setting a divine example for all followers. Their willingness to serve and stay near Jesus, even in suffering, echoes Christ's humble love.
1 Peter 4:12-13This passage encourages believers not to be surprised by fiery trials and to rejoice when sharing in Christ's sufferings. The women 'looking on from a distance' were witnesses to intense suffering, a shared experience that would later bring them deeper joy in their faith.
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…
While the disciples scattered in fear, these women, who had faithfully followed Jesus from Galilee, remained to witness his suffering, demonstrating a remarkable courage and devotion that put the men to shame. Their presence and past service highlight a profound truth: true discipleship isn't always loud and public, but often quiet, consistent, and rooted in loving service.
As Jesus hangs on the cross, a group of women who had followed him from Galilee, serving him along the way, watch from a distance. Unlike most of his disciples who had fled, these women demonstrated remarkable courage and loyalty, remaining witnesses to his suffering even as others mocked him. Their steadfast presence stands in stark contrast to the disciples' earlier boasts and subsequent abandonment.
As Jesus hangs on the cross, a group of women who had followed him from Galilee, serving him along the way, watch from a distance. Unlike most of his disciples who had fled, these women demonstrated remarkable courage and loyalty, remaining witnesses to his suffering even as others mocked him. Their steadfast presence stands in stark contrast to the disciples' earlier boasts and subsequent abandonment.
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Jesus' Trial and Crucifixion
Jesus is tried, condemned, and crucified on Golgotha, a public execution site outside Jerusalem.
Passover Week, AD 30
Jesus' Burial
Joseph of Arimathea, a disciple, obtains Jesus' body and buries it in his own new tomb near the crucifixion site.
"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." — While the disciples scattered in fear, these women, who had faithfully followed Jesus from Galilee, remained to witness his suffering, demonstrating a remarkable courage and devotion that put the men…
