What does Matthew 27:56 teach about the role of women in ministry? Setting the Scene • Matthew 27 describes the crucifixion. • Most of the Twelve have fled (v. 56 implies distance or absence). • Women followers remain close enough to see and later to serve (cf. v. 61; 28:1). Reading the Verse “Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.” Observations from Matthew 27:56 • A named group of female disciples is highlighted while male disciples are absent. • Their presence is voluntary, courageous, and public at Jesus’ darkest hour. • They are eyewitnesses essential to the historical record that follows (burial and resurrection). What This Reveals About Women in Ministry • Faithful Servants: Women exemplify steadfast loyalty even when leadership figures falter (cf. Luke 8:2-3; Mark 15:40-41). • Necessary Witnesses: God entrusts women with pivotal testimony (Matthew 28:1-10). Their reliability is affirmed by Scripture’s literal reporting. • Supportive Partners: The same women had “followed Jesus and served Him” (Mark 15:41). Service, hospitality, financial giving, and practical care are vital ministries. • Distinct Roles, Shared Mission: While Scripture reserves authoritative teaching over men and pastoral governance for qualified men (1 Timothy 2:12; 1 Corinthians 14:34-35), it equally showcases women who: – Teach other women and children (Titus 2:3-5; 2 Timothy 1:5) – Prophesy under proper order (Acts 21:9; 1 Corinthians 11:5) – Serve the church through diaconal deeds (Romans 16:1-2; Acts 9:36) Scriptural Principles Confirmed Elsewhere • Complementary Partnership: Genesis 2:18 shows woman created as a “helper suitable,” establishing partnership, not competition. • Esteem and Honor: Proverbs 31 praises a woman whose work blesses home, community, and marketplace. • Shared Inheritance: Galatians 3:28 affirms equal salvation value; functional distinctions do not diminish worth. • Pattern of Witness: The first proclamation of the risen Christ is given to women (John 20:17-18), reinforcing God’s use of female voices in gospel testimony. Practical Takeaways for Today • Encourage women to pursue every biblically open avenue of service—evangelism, discipleship, mercy ministries, administration, prayer, missions, music, counseling. • Affirm the critical role of female eyewitnesses: teach apologetics and biblical literacy so women confidently articulate the gospel. • Cultivate Titus 2 relationships—older women training younger—strengthening families and congregations. • Men and church leaders: publicly honor and rely on the consistent, often behind-the-scenes ministry exemplified in Matthew 27:56. • In mixed-congregational settings, maintain the scriptural order of male eldership while intentionally platforming women’s testimonies, prayers, and gifts within those bounds. |
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