Topical Bible: Women: Last at the Cross

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the narrative of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the presence of women is notably significant. These women, who had followed Jesus throughout His ministry, demonstrated unwavering loyalty and devotion, remaining with Him until His final moments on the cross. Their presence is recorded in the Gospels, highlighting their steadfast faith and courage during a time of immense sorrow and danger.

Biblical Accounts

The Gospel of Matthew records, "Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to minister to Him. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons" (Matthew 27:55-56). This passage underscores the dedication of these women, who had been part of Jesus' ministry, providing support and care.

Mark's Gospel similarly notes, "There were also women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. These women had followed Him and ministered to Him while He was in Galilee. And there were many other women who had come up to Jerusalem with Him" (Mark 15:40-41). This account emphasizes the broader group of women who had journeyed with Jesus, highlighting their role as His followers and supporters.

Luke's Gospel provides additional insight, stating, "But all those who knew Him, including the women who had followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things" (Luke 23:49). This passage reflects the collective grief and loyalty of Jesus' followers, particularly the women who had been with Him throughout His ministry.

John's Gospel offers a more intimate portrayal, focusing on the women who stood near the cross. "Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene" (John 19:25). This account highlights the personal connection and deep sorrow experienced by these women, especially Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Significance

The presence of women at the crucifixion is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates their courage and faithfulness in the face of danger. While many of Jesus' male disciples had fled, these women remained, risking their safety to be near their Lord. Their actions exemplify a profound commitment to Jesus, even in His darkest hour.

Secondly, the women at the cross serve as witnesses to the crucifixion, a critical event in Christian theology. Their testimony would later contribute to the early Christian community's understanding and proclamation of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Lastly, the inclusion of women in these Gospel accounts underscores the inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry. Throughout His life, Jesus broke social norms by engaging with and valuing women, and their presence at the cross is a testament to their integral role in His mission.

Conclusion

The women who stood by Jesus at the cross exemplify the virtues of faithfulness, courage, and devotion. Their presence in the Gospel narratives highlights their significant role in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, serving as a powerful testament to their unwavering commitment to their Lord and Savior.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 27:55,56
And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him:
Nave's Topical Index

Mark 15:40,41
There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Resurrection.
... The women were last at the cross; they followed the body to the tomb; they were
first to see the open tomb; first to hear the story of the resurrection from an ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the resurrection.htm

Meditation vi. The Last Pasch.
... the room where she had remained with the other holy women. ... sacrifice were about to
begin, which would last to the ... fastening the front legs on a cross piece of ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/meditation vi the last pasch.htm

In Joseph's Tomb
... Saviour was left at rest. The women were last at the cross, and last at
the tomb of Christ. While the evening shades were gathering ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 80 in josephs tomb.htm

Christianity in Individuals.
... and all the noble women, who ministered to the Son of man in his earthly poverty
with the gifts of their love, [631] lingered last around his cross, [632] and ...
/.../section 46 christianity in individuals.htm

Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Words of Jesus on the Cross.
... John and the holy women fell prostrate on the ground ... When our Lord pronounced his
last words, before expiring, in ... forming a deep chasm between the Cross of our ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xlv fifth sixth and.htm

Love and Death.
... and in the last hour of it the last enemy was ... death, and when He fell beneath the
heavy cross, the Roman ... All along the street women wept for pity as He passed ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xliii love and death.htm

The Author's Life.
... one of that band of noble women who followed Jesus, supported him with their means,
who brought spices to his tomb, and who were last at the cross and first at ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the authors life.htm

The Ministry of Women
... and made comfortable.' Jesus Christ let these poor women help Him ... Him for that for
which on the Cross He died ... of the service: let me add a last thought"the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the ministry of women.htm

Women's Bible Training School
... By this means a large number of women are under ... are brought in contact with the
messengers of the Cross. ... an important branch of the training, and last but not ...
/.../the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xvi womens bible training.htm

Victory.
... the crowd swells to a great multitude, including many women. ... Now begins the last,
coarse, derisive jeering ... the Son of God, come down from the cross." The chief ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/victory.htm