I think the Crucifixion and Resurrection and the role women play in it is fascinating. Its why I started writing about women in the Gospel to begin with. I wanted to get to this point in the story but wanted to see how women played out in Christ’s life before looking at how they related in his death.
Throughout the Crucifixion all four of the Gospels record that the women who have been with Christ throughout his ministry stay by his side even in death. In fact, John is the only Gospel that records any disciple being present at the Crucifixion. We can’t blame the disciples too much, however, because they were at a greater risk to be arrested because they were men who were close to Christ. Women who were close to Christ were less of a threat because of their perceived lower status in society.
What I love, love, love about Christ is that even in death he looks down and has compassion on those he loves. John tells of how Christ looked down from the cross and saw his mother mourning and had compassion on her. He charged John with taking care of his mother since he would no longer be on earth to care for her himself. In Luke 23:26-31, Jesus is being led to his death and followed by women mourning his death. Knowing what is coming for them and not focusing on his current situation, Christ tells them not to mourn for him and warns them of coming tragedy. I love how in the moment Christ has every right to think of and pity himself, he doesn’t. He doesn’t focus on his present earthly struggle, but still takes care of those around him.
Even after the his death, the women follow his body to see where it is laid to rest. After the Sabbath, several women (the Gospels differ on how many and who exactly went) go to the tomb to anoint the body with spices, but found the stone rolled away from the tomb and angels proclaiming Jesus had risen. The angels told the women to spread the good news to the disciples, appointing the women with the Gospel message. Women were the first entrusted to share that Christ had risen from the dead! What I find even more interesting is that Mark and Luke both record that Christ first appeared to Mary Magdalene! I have no idea why Christ chose to make his first post-resurrection appearance to a woman. I like to believe that he did this to make a statement that women are just as important to him as men. While seems to treat women with more gentleness throughout his time on earth, he treats them with the same respect as men and gives them the same opportunity. This sends a message to the world that if women are worthy enough to be the first entrusted with the Gospel and the first to see the resurrected Christ, they are worthy of respect from men.
Much love–Char
