Witnesses to the Crucifixion
There were also many women there, looking on from afar, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him; among whom were Mary Mag'dalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zeb'edee. When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathe'a, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. Matt. 27:55-57.
Matthew recounts that at the time of Jesus' death on the cross that they were disciples who were present and who were used to attend to his body. What is interesting is the fact that none of the eleven surviving apostles are mentioned as being there? Instead, there were "many women" and a certain "rich man" who was a stealth disciple. Perhaps it is not so surprising that today much of the work of the kingdom is often done by the women and a few men. What was it about Jesus' ministry that attracted the poor, the disenfranchised, the outcasts and a few disciples with wealth? Probably the same events that caused the Roman centurion to confess that "Truly, this was the son of God!" (v. 55)
posted by Bradford L. Stevens @ 10:15 PM
5 comments
5 Comments:
Brad, what does the greek word for "ministering" in this verse mean?
I do not know? Any greek scholars who can help us out?
I'll ask Brian or Jimmy tomorrow...and let you know what he says.
I spoke with a church leader who reads greek and understands it pretty well. The word ministering in this context is the greek word "diakoneo." The McArther New Testament Commentary states, "Ministering translates to diakoneo, which has the basic meaning of serving and is the verb form from the noun from which deacon is derived. Although the feminine form of the term was not used to describe a specific type of ministry until many years later in the early church, if at all, those ministering women were, in effect, the first deaconnesses."
So then, can we assume that women were ministering to Jesus (a man) in the same way that a deacon (man) serves the church today?
Woman certainly supported Jesus and his disciples in their ministry. Jesus's relationship with woman, during his time on earth, was scandalous by the standards of his day.
I love the story in Luke 10:
"38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed.[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
If God says that it will not be taken away from Mary, it is o.k. with me.
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