How can we emulate the devotion shown by the women in Matthew 27:56? Their Presence When Others Fled “Among them were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.” (Matthew 27:56) These women chose to stand near the cross when most had scattered. They kept their eyes on Jesus in His darkest hour. Their loyalty is more than historical detail—it is an invitation to every believer. Key Marks of Their Devotion • Courage under pressure—publicly identifying with Jesus despite danger (John 19:25). • Loyal love—remaining through suffering, not just celebration. • Practical support—Luke 8:1-3 shows they had long financed and served His ministry. • Persevering faith—present at the crucifixion, at the tomb (Matthew 27:61), and again on resurrection morning (Matthew 28:1). • Community—standing together, encouraging one another to endure. Steps to Emulate Their Example Today 1. Stand Near the Cross Daily • Fix your gaze on Christ’s sacrifice through Scripture and worship. • Romans 12:1 urges offering ourselves as “a living sacrifice.” Staying close to Calvary keeps the heart soft. 2. Refuse to Hide Your Allegiance • Public devotion may cost reputation, comfort, even safety. Like the women, let love outweigh fear (2 Timothy 1:7). • Live openly as a follower of Jesus in conversations, choices, and ethics. 3. Serve With Tangible Resources • They “were supporting [Jesus] out of their own means” (Luke 8:3). • Invest time, skills, and finances in gospel work—local church, missions, neighbors in need (Hebrews 13:16). 4. Stay When Situations Turn Dark • The cross scene warns that faithfulness is proven in trials. Cling to Christ and His people when life hurts (James 1:12). • Offer presence and comfort to believers who suffer; do not abandon them. 5. Walk in Community • They gathered at the cross and later “continued in prayer” with the early church (Acts 1:14). • Join small groups, prayer partners, and ministry teams. Mutual encouragement fuels perseverance (Hebrews 10:24-25). 6. Keep Hope Alive • They watched burial but showed up at dawn expecting God to move (Matthew 28:1). • Hold fast to resurrection hope. Let it energize steadfast service: “be steadfast and immovable… your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Living Out Their Legacy The women of Matthew 27:56 demonstrate that devotion is not flashy; it is faithful. By standing near the cross, serving sacrificially, and persevering in hope, we mirror the same steadfast love they showed our Savior. May our ordinary moments echo their extraordinary loyalty until we, too, hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” |
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