Matthew 27:61
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Matthew 27:61
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
These women weren't just passively observing; they were "sitting over against the tomb," a posture described as absorbing grief and indicating they were present throughout the entombment. Their quiet presence underscores their deep love and devotion, clinging to Jesus even in death.
As Jesus' body is laid in a borrowed tomb after his crucifixion, two devoted women, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (mother of James and Joses), remain. They watched Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus prepare the body and place it in the tomb before rolling a stone to seal the entrance, signifying the end of a sorrowful day and the Sabbath's approach.
Even in the shadow of death, Jesus had faithful followers. What does their presence at the tomb reveal about their devotion?
In the midst of profound sorrow, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (identified as the mother of James and Joses) remained. Their posture – 'sitting over against the sepulchre' – speaks volumes. This wasn't a casual visit; it was a deliberate act of staying, of watching, of grieving.
A Love Unwavering
The commentators note that 'sitting was a mourning posture.' While others might have dispersed or been too overwhelmed to move, these women stayed. They observed where Jesus' body was laid, their presence a testament to a love that death itself could not extinguish. They were not just spectators; they were devoted witnesses.
Preparation for Resurrection
Their lingering wasn't just about mourning; it was also about preparation. Luke tells us they 'returned, and prepared spices and ointments' after witnessing the burial (Luke 23:56). Their faithful watching at the tomb directly set the stage for their early morning visit on resurrection day.
Jesus' burial was not a common one. What does the choice of a new tomb signify for Jesus and for us?
The tomb where Jesus was laid was no ordinary burial place. Joseph of Arimathea, a rich and respected counselor, had prepared a brand-new tomb, one 'wherein never man before was laid.' This detail, mentioned by multiple evangelists, is significant.
Untouched Ground
This new tomb served as a symbol of a new beginning. Because no one else had ever been buried there, there would be no confusion, no question of identity when Jesus rose. His resurrection would be undeniable, distinct from any other burial.
Significance for Believers
This act of being laid in a new, untouched tomb speaks powerfully to the uniqueness of Christ's work. His burial and resurrection inaugurate a new covenant, a new life for all who believe. Just as Jesus was raised to a new life from this new tomb, believers are spiritually buried with Him and raised to new life through Him, as Paul writes.
Understand the original words
mnēmeion · Greek Noun
A place of burial; in Scripture, it often symbolizes the reality of death, yet in the context of Christ, it becomes the site of the power of the resurrection.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus is Crucified
Jesus is crucified under Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. This event is the culmination of his ministry and the central act of Christian faith.
c. AD 30
Jesus is Buried
Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy disciple, retrieves Jesus' body from the cross and, with Nicodemus, buries it in a new tomb before the Sabbath begins.
c. AD 30
Women Observe the Burial
Mary Magdalene and another woman named Mary (likely Mary the mother of James and Joses) witness where Jesus' body is laid in the tomb, sitting nearby in sorrow.
c. AD 30
Tomb is Sealed and Guarded
The chief priests and Pharisees request that Pilate secure the tomb with a guard and a stone to prevent Jesus' body from being stolen, fearing a resurrection claim.
c. AD 30
Resurrection Occurs
On the third day, early Sunday morning, Jesus is resurrected from the dead. The tomb is found empty by the women who come to anoint his body.
This passage highlights the presence of Jesus' mother and other women at the crucifixion, showing their deep devotion and willingness to stay close to Him even in His darkest hour, mirroring the persistence of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary at the tomb.
This passage connects directly by stating the women who followed Jesus from Galilee observed where He was laid and then prepared spices and ointments, underscoring their intention and sorrow, which explains why they were sitting by the tomb.
This verse identifies the 'other Mary' as the mother of James and Joses, providing specific context for who was present with Mary Magdalene and emphasizing the continuity of observation from the crucifixion to the burial site.
This prophecy foretells that the Suffering Servant would be given 'his grave with the wicked' but ultimately 'with the rich,' which was fulfilled by Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man, providing the tomb and highlighting God's sovereign plan even in Jesus' burial.
clarkeMatthew 27:61: "And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre."
Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary - The mother of James and Joses, Matthew 27:56 . The mother of our Lord had probably, by this time, been taken home to the house of John. See John 19:26 , John 19:27 . Sitting over against the sepulchre - These holy women, filled with that love to their Lord which death cannot destroy, cleaved to him in life, and in death were not divided. They came to the gr…
gillMatthew 27:61: "And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre."
And there was Mary Magdalene and the other Mary,.... The wife of Cleophas, and the mother of James and of Joses: sitting over against the sepulchre; observing where the body of Christ was put, and how it was laid; for they intended to prepare spices and ointments to anoint it with; and were mourning for the death of Christ: for sitting was a mourning posture, which now they were allowed, the b…
These women weren't just passively observing; they were "sitting over against the tomb," a posture described as absorbing grief and indicating they were present throughout the entombment. Their quiet presence underscores their deep love and devotion, clinging to Jesus even in death.
As Jesus' body is laid in a borrowed tomb after his crucifixion, two devoted women, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (mother of James and Joses), remain. They watched Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus prepare the body and place it in the tomb before rolling a stone to seal the entrance, signifying the end of a sorrowful day and the Sabbath's approach.
As Jesus' body is laid in a borrowed tomb after his crucifixion, two devoted women, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (mother of James and Joses), remain. They watched Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus prepare the body and place it in the tomb before rolling a stone to seal the entrance, signifying the end of a sorrowful day and the Sabbath's approach.
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"Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb." — These women weren't just passively observing; they were "sitting over against the tomb," a posture described as absorbing grief and indicating they were present throughout the entombment. Their quiet…