The Gospel of Mark: Women at a Distance

There were also women looking on from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. These used to follow him and provided for him when he was in Galilee; and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem. ~ Mark 15:40-41


Where have all the disciples gone? What about the crowds?Whose left?

Some women. Standing at a distance.

These two verses have always been poignant to me. We get so little in any of the gospels about the women following Jesus.

But here's what we know about them. First, they paid the bills.

And second: they stuck around.

They would be the ones to watch Jesus die and the ones to visit his tomb.

One of the things I've noticed about Mark is how he is able to say so much about people even by using so few words. 

About Judas we know his character despite getting so little about him.

About the woman who anoints Jesus, we know her generosity despite not even knowing her name.

About the Syrophoenician woman we know her courage and mama bear nature.

And about the women who followed Jesus, we know their faith.


Holy God, thank you for the gospel - the good news - of your Son. Open my mind and heart to this good news and enliven me with your Spirit of servanthood that I might share this good news with a world in need. Amen


Engagement Questions:


Why do you think we get so little information about the women who followed Jesus?


 

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