What can we learn from the women's faithfulness in Mark 15:40? Setting the Scene at Golgotha “ And there were also women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome.” (Mark 15:40) Who Were These Women? • Mary Magdalene – Delivered by Jesus from seven demons (Luke 8:2), now steadfast at His cross. • Mary, mother of James the younger and of Joseph – Likely the wife of Clopas (John 19:25), a faithful disciple from Galilee. • Salome – Mother of James and John (Mark 10:35), once ambitious for her sons, now humbly present in Christ’s suffering. Expressions of Faithfulness • Courageous Presence – While most male disciples fled (Mark 14:50), these women stayed, accepting risk and stigma. • Persistent Service – “They had followed Him and served Him while He was in Galilee” (Mark 15:41). Their ministry was not momentary but sustained. • Witness to Crucifixion and Resurrection – They saw where He was laid (Mark 15:47) and were first at the tomb on resurrection morning (Mark 16:1–6). God rewarded their steadfastness with the earliest gospel proclamation. • Love over Fear – Perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). Their devotion outweighed the threat of Roman soldiers or Jewish leaders. • Silent Testimony – Their faithfulness speaks without words, modeling the power of consistent obedience (1 Peter 3:4). Lessons for Today • Stand When Others Scatter – Faithfulness is proven in crisis. “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13) • Serve in the Shadows – God sees unseen labor. “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown…” (Hebrews 6:10). • Stay Near the Cross – Continual reflection on Christ’s sacrifice fuels unwavering devotion (Galatians 6:14). • Trust God with Recognition – Though uncelebrated by the world, these women are eternally honored in Scripture (Proverbs 31:30). • Persevere to the End – “Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) Their quiet but resolute presence at Calvary calls every believer to courageous, lifelong loyalty to Jesus—especially when the cost is high and the crowd is thin. |
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