March 8, 2014

Mark 15:  ⁴¹ In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.

Many people were there for the crucifixion.  The centurion stood in front of Jesus, and he cried out that he surely was the son of God at his death. There were the thieves who were crucified with him.  There were many passers-by, who heaped insults at him.  And there were the women, women who had loved and cared for Jesus.  How they must have suffered with him!

I was going to choose a verse focusing on Pilate.  He was puzzled by the vehemence of the crowd, but he was not willing to go against it, even when he knew he was condemning an innocent man.  Then I saw this verse, and I decided to focus instead on the women.  The Bible is so often condescending to women, in the style of the day when it was written.  These women are the true heroes of the crucifixion scene.  They have not denied Jesus, they did not sell him out.  They had been there for him in so many ways.  And even though it must have caused them great pain, they stood through his agony, unable to leave his side.  Furthermore, they will be the ones who go to the tomb and discover he is gone once the Sabbath is over.  These are true Bible heroes.

Prayer:  Lord, I am thankful today for Your word in the Bible.  The Bible has so much to tell me, and my faith is strengthened through the daily reading of Scripture.  I am thankful, too, for the women of the faith who came before me, especially for my own dear mother.  Without the example of these women, I could not have the strength of faith that is my rock today.
Amen