What is the meaning of Mark 15:47? Mary Magdalene • Mark 15:47 records that Mary Magdalene was present at the tomb: “Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where His body was placed.” Her name appears first, underscoring her prominence among the female disciples. • Earlier, Luke 8:2 notes that Jesus had delivered her from seven demons, a fact that highlights the transforming power of His ministry in her life. • She remained near the cross (John 19:25) and was the first to encounter the risen Lord (Mark 16:9). Her unwavering presence from crucifixion to resurrection demonstrates steadfast devotion and provides an unbroken eyewitness line that confirms the historical reliability of these events. and Mary the mother of Joseph • This Mary is identified in Mark 15:40 as “Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph,” showing she also stood near the cross. • Matthew 27:56 lists her among “many women” who had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for His needs, indicating close, consistent discipleship. • By pairing her with Mary Magdalene, Scripture supplies the legally required “two or three witnesses” (cf. Deuteronomy 19:15) to affirm what happened to Jesus’ body. Their testimony is essential for verifying the burial and the later discovery of the empty tomb. saw • The verb stresses deliberate, conscious observation. Luke 23:55 parallels this: “The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how His body was laid.” • Their careful notice counters any claim that the women went to the wrong location on resurrection morning (Mark 16:3–4). • John 19:35 reminds readers that the Gospel record is based on firsthand sight: “He who saw it has testified, so that you also may believe.” The women’s seeing functions the same way, grounding faith in verifiable fact. where His body was placed • Joseph of Arimathea had placed Jesus in a new tomb cut out of rock and rolled a stone against the entrance (Mark 15:46). The women noted the exact site, ensuring they could return after the Sabbath with spices (Mark 16:1). • Isaiah 53:9 foretold, “His grave was assigned with the wicked, yet He was with a rich man in His death,” fulfilled by Joseph’s wealthy status (Matthew 27:57–60). • Knowing the location of the burial sets the stage for the angel’s declaration in Matthew 28:6, “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.” The accuracy of their memory authenticates the empty tomb and supports Paul’s summary of the gospel: “He was buried, and He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:4). summary Mark 15:47 highlights two devoted women who witnessed Jesus’ burial with clear eyes and faithful hearts. Their presence supplies credible, corroborated testimony that Jesus truly died, was laid in a specific tomb, and would soon rise. The verse quietly but powerfully assures us that every detail of the passion narrative is trustworthy, preparing readers to rejoice in the empty tomb and the living Savior. |
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