What is the meaning of John 19:25? Near the cross of Jesus “Near the cross of Jesus” (John 19:25) fixes our attention on the place where redemption was happening in real time. The phrase highlights: • Proximity—these women did not hide “at a distance” as many did (contrast Matthew 26:56; Luke 23:49). • Courage—Roman crucifixions were meant to terrify onlookers, yet they remained (Hebrews 12:2 keeps believers similarly focused on the cross). • Witness—their presence supplies firsthand testimony that complements John’s own (John 19:35), fostering assurance that “Christ died for our sins” (1 Corinthians 15:3). Stood His mother Mary’s steadfastness fulfills what Simeon foretold: “a sword will pierce your own soul” (Luke 2:35). Her: • Maternal love keeps her beside the Son she once cradled (Luke 2:7). • Submission to God’s plan mirrors her earlier “Let it be to me” (Luke 1:38). • Example of discipleship prepares for the care Jesus will entrust to John moments later (John 19:26-27). Her presence reminds us that the cross not only saves but also costs; family ties and personal pain intertwine in God’s unfolding purpose. And her sister John briefly notes “her sister,” likely Salome (compare Mark 15:40; 16:1). Whether or not she is Mary’s biological sister, Scripture shows: • Solidarity—family or close friends share suffering (Romans 12:15). • Participation—Salome earlier sought positions for her sons (Matthew 20:20-21); now she stands humbled at the cross, illustrating spiritual growth. • Support—the body of Christ is meant to bear burdens together (Galatians 6:2). Mary the wife of Clopas Identified only by her husband, this Mary appears again among the earliest witnesses to the empty tomb (Luke 24:10). Her inclusion teaches: • God sees “ordinary” believers; no act of devotion is unnoticed (Hebrews 6:10). • Household faith matters; Clopas is likely the “Clopas” whose companion encounters the risen Christ on the Emmaus road (Luke 24:18), showing a family knit to Christ’s story. • Persistence—she moves from the sorrow of Golgotha to the joy of resurrection morning, modeling steadfast hope (Romans 5:3-5). Mary Magdalene Delivered from seven demons (Luke 8:2), Mary Magdalene’s unwavering loyalty is striking: • She accompanies Jesus through Galilee, supports His ministry materially (Luke 8:3), and now refuses to leave Him in death. • Her devotion positions her to be first to see the risen Lord (John 20:1-18), fulfilling Jesus’ promise that “the first will be last, and the last first” (Matthew 19:30). • Her transformation underscores the cross’s power to free the enslaved (Colossians 2:14-15) and enlist them as bold witnesses (Acts 1:8). summary John 19:25 showcases a small circle of faithful women standing near the cross. Their proximity, courage, and devotion confirm the historical reality of Jesus’ crucifixion and illustrate the cost—and privilege—of discipleship. Each woman highlights a facet of faith: Mary the mother models surrendered love; her sister embodies supportive fellowship; Mary of Clopas affirms that humble believers share in God’s grand story; and Mary Magdalene demonstrates redeemed passion. Together they call us to draw near, stand firm, and bear witness to the saving work accomplished at Calvary. |
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