Matthew 27:55 - Many women were there watching from afar, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, serving him.
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What does "Matthew 27:55" mean?
This verse, Matthew 27:55, offers a glimpse into the roles of women in Jesus' ministry and their unwavering dedication, even during his crucifixion. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Many women were there watching from afar...":
"Many women": This highlights that it wasn't just one or two women, but a significant number. This suggests a dedicated following.
"Watching from afar": This likely indicates that the women were present at the crucifixion scene but were keeping a distance, possibly due to the danger, the Roman soldiers, or the sheer horror and grief of the event. It also suggests they were not part of the inner circle of male disciples who had more direct access to Jesus.
"...who had followed Jesus from Galilee...":
"Followed Jesus from Galilee": This means these women had been part of Jesus' traveling ministry, journeying with him from the region of Galilee in northern Israel. This wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision to show up at the crucifixion; it was the culmination of a longer commitment.
"...serving him.":
"Serving him": This is a crucial detail. The Greek word often translated as "serving" is "diakoneo," which can mean more than just basic assistance. It often implies providing for practical needs like food, lodging, or financial support. It could also involve acts of kindness, healing, and spreading the word of his ministry.
Overall Significance:
Female Discipleship: The verse emphasizes that women were active disciples of Jesus. They weren't just passive observers. They actively supported his ministry.
Dedication and Loyalty: Their presence at the crucifixion, even "from afar," demonstrates their unwavering loyalty and devotion to Jesus, even in the face of extreme danger and suffering. The male disciples, with the exception of John, had fled. The women remained.
Challenging Social Norms: In the first-century Jewish context, women's roles were often limited. Their active participation in Jesus' ministry and their willingness to travel with him would have been somewhat unconventional.
Witnesses: These women were among the first witnesses to the crucifixion, and as the Gospels reveal, some were also among the first to witness the resurrection. This emphasizes their importance in the early Christian narrative.
The Importance of Service: The verse highlights the importance of practical service as an expression of faith. These women showed their love for Jesus not just through words, but through deeds.
In essence, Matthew 27:55 is a testament to the significant role women played in Jesus' ministry, their deep devotion, and their willingness to serve him, even until the very end. It highlights their importance as followers, supporters, and ultimately, as witnesses to key events in the Christian faith.
Matthew 27:55 - Many women were there watching from afar, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, serving him.
What does "Matthew 27:55" mean?
This verse, Matthew 27:55, offers a glimpse into the roles of women in Jesus' ministry and their unwavering dedication, even during his crucifixion. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Many women were there watching from afar...":
"Many women": This highlights that it wasn't just one or two women, but a significant number. This suggests a dedicated following.
"Watching from afar": This likely indicates that the women were present at the crucifixion scene but were keeping a distance, possibly due to the danger, the Roman soldiers, or the sheer horror and grief of the event. It also suggests they were not part of the inner circle of male disciples who had more direct access to Jesus.
"...who had followed Jesus from Galilee...":
"Followed Jesus from Galilee": This means these women had been part of Jesus' traveling ministry, journeying with him from the region of Galilee in northern Israel. This wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision to show up at the crucifixion; it was the culmination of a longer commitment.
"...serving him.":
"Serving him": This is a crucial detail. The Greek word often translated as "serving" is "diakoneo," which can mean more than just basic assistance. It often implies providing for practical needs like food, lodging, or financial support. It could also involve acts of kindness, healing, and spreading the word of his ministry.
Overall Significance:
Female Discipleship: The verse emphasizes that women were active disciples of Jesus. They weren't just passive observers. They actively supported his ministry.
Dedication and Loyalty: Their presence at the crucifixion, even "from afar," demonstrates their unwavering loyalty and devotion to Jesus, even in the face of extreme danger and suffering. The male disciples, with the exception of John, had fled. The women remained.
Challenging Social Norms: In the first-century Jewish context, women's roles were often limited. Their active participation in Jesus' ministry and their willingness to travel with him would have been somewhat unconventional.
Witnesses: These women were among the first witnesses to the crucifixion, and as the Gospels reveal, some were also among the first to witness the resurrection. This emphasizes their importance in the early Christian narrative.
The Importance of Service: The verse highlights the importance of practical service as an expression of faith. These women showed their love for Jesus not just through words, but through deeds.
In essence, Matthew 27:55 is a testament to the significant role women played in Jesus' ministry, their deep devotion, and their willingness to serve him, even until the very end. It highlights their importance as followers, supporters, and ultimately, as witnesses to key events in the Christian faith.