Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome. In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there. Mark 15:40-42
Three Women
When a Christian passes from this life into the arms of God it is the most sacred of moments. To be present with a loved one or dear friend when they pass is an honor. Sadly, the King of Kings had no quiet peaceful moment of passing surrounded by family and close friends. Most of the people in attendance were only there to make fun of Him and watch with shameful excitement. Few realized exactly what they were witnessing.
When Jesus was crucified, Mark chapter 15 tells us that there were three women looking on from a distance. These were not just random women who showed up to watch a crucifixion. These were women who loved Jesus. These were women who ministered to the Minister. These were women who invested in Jesus’ ministry, financially and as a support, because they believed Him. These were women who were a part of His life, and they wanted to be with Him to the end.
Mary Magdalene had been saved by Jesus. She had been demon possessed and Jesus freed her and gave her a new life. After He healed her, she followed Him. She is proof to us that no one is ever too far gone or too entangled in sin to be disqualified from salvation. He transformed her and she had a close personal relationship with her Savior, even with her past. The same is true for us.
The other Mary was the mother of one of the disciples, James. I am sure her son was excited about what was happening in his life since he had chosen to follow Jesus. I am sure she was eager to meet her son’s new friend and she loved Him and supported Him and His ministry, of which her son was a part. Mothers everywhere can understand loving your kid’s friends like they were your own. I am sure Mary was thankful for what Jesus did in her son’s life and hers and wanted the rest of the world to know her Jesus.
The third woman was Salome. Salome was the mother of James and John and wife of Zebedee. She was one of the women who followed Jesus throughout His ministry.
These three women watched from a distance as Jesus was tortured and crucified, standing with Him in life and death. They stayed through the hardest parts when others turned away. These same women came to the tomb on the third day after that, bringing spices to anoint Him. They were met by the angel, who told them that Jesus was risen, they ran to tell the disciples the good news (Mark 16:1-8) They came to anoint a dead man and instead found the hope and glory of the empty tomb! What they had witnessed three days before was resurrected in new life, and that resurrected life has resurrected our lives for His glory.
