How does Matthew 27:56 connect with other instances of female discipleship in Scripture? The verse under consideration “Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.” (Matthew 27:56) Faithful presence when many fled • In the darkest moment of the crucifixion, these three women remain when most male disciples scatter (Matthew 26:56). • Their steadfastness fulfills Jesus’ own words about committed discipleship (Luke 9:23). • Their nearness allows them to become firsthand witnesses of death, burial, and later resurrection—key facts the early church taught as historical certainties (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Earlier snapshots of their discipleship • Luke 8:1-3—Mary Magdalene and “many other women” travel with Jesus, “ministering to them out of their own means.” • Matthew 20:20-28—the mother of Zebedee’s sons (Salome, cf. Mark 15:40) approaches Jesus, clearly engaged in His mission even if her request is misguided. • Mark 15:40-41—same three women “had followed Him and ministered to Him” in Galilee, showing long-term commitment before Calvary. Women at the resurrection • Matthew 28:1-10—Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” receive the angelic announcement and the first commission to proclaim the risen Lord. • Luke 24:10—Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and others become the first human witnesses of the empty tomb, validating their earlier faithfulness at the cross. • John 20:11-18—Mary Magdalene receives personal revelation from the risen Christ and is sent to tell the brethren. Continuity in Acts and the Epistles • Acts 1:14—“with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus,” united in prayer in the upper room. • Acts 9:36—Tabitha, “full of good works,” exemplifies servant discipleship. • Acts 16:14-15—Lydia’s conversion leads to hospitality that anchors the Philippian church. • Romans 16—Paul greets Phoebe, Priscilla, Mary, Tryphena, Tryphosa, Persis, Julia; each named for tangible gospel labor. Old Testament echoes • Miriam (Exodus 15:20-21), Deborah (Judges 4-5), Ruth (Ruth 1:16-17), and Hannah (1 Samuel 1-2) prefigure devoted female faith and service, anticipating the fuller revelation in Christ. Theological insights • Scripture accurately records women as credible witnesses, underscoring the historicity of the events. • Jesus’ inclusion of women in the circle of disciples demonstrates the universality of the call (Galatians 3:28). • The cross-to-resurrection sequence shows that discipleship involves both suffering and glory (Romans 8:17). Practical takeaways • Consistent, often unseen service—finances, hospitality, prayer—matters profoundly in God’s economy. • Courage to stand near Christ in hard moments prepares believers to proclaim His victory. • Local churches should recognize, equip, and honor the ministries of women as Scripture does, always within the order God has given (Titus 2:3-5; 1 Timothy 2:12-15). |
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