Why did the women visit the tomb? To anoint Jesus with spices (Mark 16:1; Luke 23:55-24:1), to see the tomb (Matthew 28:1), or for no specified reason (John 20:1). I. Overview of the Gospel Accounts Each Gospel provides a slightly different perspective on the women’s motivation for visiting the tomb. Although these accounts vary in the specific details emphasized, they do not stand in conflict. Rather, they highlight various aspects of a single event. 1. Mark 16:1: “When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so they could go and anoint the body of Jesus.” Here, the women clearly intend to anoint Jesus’ body. This practice was a sign of deep respect and devotion, reflecting the burial customs of their culture. 2. Luke 23:55–24:1: “The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how His body was laid. Then they returned to prepare spices and perfumes. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment. On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women came to the tomb bringing the spices they had prepared.” This passage reiterates that the women prepared spices and perfumes for Jesus’ body, then returned as soon as the Sabbath ended. 3. Matthew 28:1: “After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.” Matthew underscores the women’s early arrival “to see the tomb.” He does not explicitly mention spices, though it does not deny that spices were in their possession or that they came for that purpose. 4. John 20:1: “Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.” John does not mention spices at this point, possibly because Jesus’ body had already been wrapped with spices before the Sabbath (cf. John 19:39–40). The focus in John’s narrative is on Mary's immediate discovery of the empty tomb. II. Historical and Cultural Context In first-century Judea, it was customary to wrap the deceased’s body with linen and spices (see John 19:39–40) to honor the dead and help mitigate the odor of decomposition. Women often took part in this care for loved ones. • Timing of Preparations: The Sabbath restricted work of any kind (cf. Exodus 20:8–10). When Jesus died on Friday afternoon, preparations had to be rushed. After observing the Sabbath rest (Friday evening to Saturday evening), the women completed their burial tasks at dawn on Sunday. • Anointing Practices: The desire to anoint with spices arose from reverence for the deceased. Although Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus brought a large quantity of myrrh and aloes (around seventy-five pounds per John 19:39), the women might have intended an additional or more thorough application. III. Harmonizing the Gospel Descriptions The different details in the Gospels can be viewed as complementary rather than contradictory: 1. Mark and Luke: Emphasize the anointing, showing the women’s active preparation and care. They purchased and prepared spices immediately after the Sabbath ended, which indicates the sincerity of their intentions to honor Jesus. 2. Matthew: Focuses on the visit itself—“to see the tomb.” This phrase does not exclude anointing; it merely highlights another aspect of the event—their desire to confirm the burial site and pay respects. 3. John: By the time Mary Magdalene arrives on Sunday morning, the primary mention of spice usage had already occurred before the Sabbath. So, John’s account centers on Mary’s immediate discovery that the stone was rolled away, leaving aside details the other Gospels already cover. When these accounts are read in their cultural and historical contexts, they fit together cohesively, each highlighting a facet of the same event. Such nuance is common in eyewitness-based narratives and is consistent with how different people recall the same occasion. IV. Purpose of the Women’s Visit in Light of Each Account A. To Anoint the Body of Jesus • Most clearly expressed in Mark 16:1 and Luke 23:55–24:1, signifying prevalent Jewish customs of the day. • Reflects the deep devotion these women had for Jesus, despite initial despair following the crucifixion. B. To See the Tomb • Stated directly in Matthew 28:1. This does not negate the possibility of bringing spices; it underscores the fact that they came to confirm the burial location and pay final respects. C. Timing and Earlier Spices • For John, the focus is on Mary Magdalene arriving and discovering the empty tomb, with prior mention that Nicodemus had already employed a large quantity of spices for Jesus’ burial (John 19:39–40). V. Significance and Lessons A. Devotion and Faithfulness The women’s journey to the tomb, whether to anoint or simply to verify where Jesus was laid, highlights their unwavering devotion. Even in grief, they sought ways to honor Him. B. Authenticity of Multiple Perspectives Though each Gospel provides unique elements, their collective testimony showcases a consistent core: the women found the tomb empty. The minor variations underscore the reality of eyewitness testimony; perfect uniformity often signals collusion, not genuine historical accounts. C. Cultural Witness Women were not considered primary witnesses in the first-century context. That they are consistently identified as the first visitors to the tomb speaks strongly to the authenticity of the resurrection narratives: no writer seeking to fabricate a story in that culture would have made women the earliest witnesses. VI. Additional Evidences from Manuscript and Historical Studies Ancient manuscripts and archaeological corroborations support the authenticity of these Gospel accounts. Early manuscript evidence (e.g., papyri) and the consistency across thousands of Greek New Testament manuscripts reinforce the reliable transmission of the text. Renowned textual studies have affirmed that, despite small grammatical or stylistic variants, no vital doctrine or historical detail is undermined. Archaeological work around Jerusalem has revealed first-century tomb structures consistent with the biblical descriptions. Ossuaries, examples of oil- and spice-based burial customs, and tomb layouts help confirm the plausibility of the Gospel narratives. VII. Conclusion The question “What was the purpose for which the women went to the tomb?” draws on all four Gospels. Mark and Luke highlight anointing, Matthew notes their visit to see the tomb, and John emphasizes Mary Magdalene’s individual discovery. Together, they convey one central reality: the women arrived prepared to honor Jesus’ body, only to discover the greatest news in history—that He was truly risen. Thus, their initial purpose was to perform a final act of devotion. Yet, in God’s providence, their visit revealed the empty tomb and set the stage for the first proclamation of the Resurrection. The slight differences in focus reveal the richness and reliability of the accounts. |
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