Women

DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

WOMEN

Matt 27:55-56

55 Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's sons.

NIV

Other accounts tell us that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was there. Her sister, Mary the wife of Clopas and  Mary Magdalene were also there. This Mary the wife of Clopas is the mother of James, Joses or Joseph and Salome. What is interesting is these women were watching from a distance. This might refer to they had come a distance to watch, coming from Galilee. It also could refer to the fact that Jesus would have been naked as was the way men were crucified as another form of humiliation. The women might have wanted to respect his modesty. However from other accounts we know Jesus spoke to his mother, telling her that John was now her son and to John he said that she would now be his mother. So we know they were close enough for that exchange of words and at least John the beloved was there with the women. We do not know about the other disciples. Now it also could be that being Jesus, even if the women and John were some distance from him, he could speak to them in their hearts, or spirits. But it is recorded he spoke words to them so they had to be close enough. What does appear to be the point of this account of Matthew is the fact women had been taking care of the needs of Jesus and perhaps the disciples. Women caring for his needs. This would imply they took care of his necessary subsistence. It might also imply they were there to care for his body in preparation for burial, as these were the same women who carried the spices to the tomb. However the point here is that even though his disciples retreated from his presence in fear of coming under the same punishment, the women were at his side. We might think we have good friends in life that will stick with us through the hardships life might bring our way, but friends can easily desert us. They might be likened to rats leaving a sinking ship. At least this might apply to us men. Not sure if women behave in this same manner toward each other. However what we see here is where friends disappeared, the women did not. Women have a deeper sense of loyalty them men it would appear. It may appear in our post-modern era women, in general, have taken on this equality issue. However it is also interesting God never intended for anything less than equality. He created both man and woman. Yes, the way in which he created each was different, but nevertheless he created them both and he did so in order they would become united. However because of sin, God did tell the woman she would desire her mate but also have pain with child birth. God put that desire in woman to be the care giver, to desire, to care for the needs of her man. The man was told to toil the ground all the days of his life, to care for the needs of his woman, provide for her all the days of his life. There is a special bond between man and woman. We see this bond in these women standing watch over Jesus, caring for his needs, as he provides for their eternal life. Because the men deserted him at this time and the women did not, we can come to the conclusion women have a great deal more strength of character then many men have. Their faith may well also be stronger. Their resolve to stay with Jesus shows us the fortitude and determination of women. If women ever think they are less then equal to men, it is only due to the culture of our human society. It is not because God sees them as less. He has demonstrated the faith and openness of showing it of women throughout the scriptures. There have been books written about great women of faith. Women are indeed a blessing to humankind. These women showed courage when the men failed. These women showed faithfulness when the men failed. These women showed their love for Christ when the men failed. Now having said that, the men did find their courage, their love and faithfulness to Christ. All of them but John were crucified for their faith, it is recorded the Peter would not allow himself the same benefit, but insisted he be crucified upside down. Yet let us simply conclude here that women are of great importance in the kingdom of God. As such, we men should give them the respect they are due.