Matthew 27:55 - Printer Friendly

ESV: There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him,

NIV: Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs.

NASB: And many women were there watching from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee while caring for Him.

CSB: Many women who had followed Jesus from Galilee and looked after him were there, watching from a distance.

NLT: And many women who had come from Galilee with Jesus to care for him were watching from a distance.

KJV: And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:

NKJV: And many women who followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him, were there looking on from afar,

Matthew turns from the reaction of the Roman soldiers after Jesus' death (Matthew 27:50–54) to a group of women standing nearby. They have stayed near enough so that they can witness Jesus' death when the time comes. Now they have seen it, along with the dramatic earthquake that followed it.

These women are familiar friends and parents of Jesus and His disciples. They, too, are from Galilee and have spent much of the last three years travelling with the group, when appropriate, to help care for Jesus and the others. Matthew provides a list of their names in the following verse. John, also, explains those who were nearest to Christ at the moment of His death (John 19:25–27).

What's also interesting is who Matthew does not show standing nearby when Jesus died. None of the disciples are pictured, and only John's gospel indicates that even one of the men are anywhere near the scene. Most are apparently still in hiding (Matthew 26:56) since it would be so dangerous to be captured as one of Jesus' disciples (John 20:19).

Matthew 27:45–56 describes the climactic moment when Jesus dies on the cross. Darkness falls over Israel as Jesus hangs near death. Jesus cries out the words of Psalm 22:1, which mean "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Some nearby think He is calling for Elijah the prophet to come and save Him. Jesus dies. Immediately, the massive temple curtain is torn in two, top to bottom. Earthquakes open the tombs of some of the saints of Israel, who are later resurrected. A Roman centurion is shocked enough to declare that Jesus was the Son of God. Three women, Jesus' friends, watch from a distance.

When Judas learns Jesus has been condemned, he regrets betraying the Lord. He throws down his ill-gotten money and hangs himself. Jesus is taken to Pilate, who finds nothing to charge Him with. Given the choice, the people shout for the release of a convicted murderer and insist on Jesus' death. Jesus is mocked by a battalion of soldiers and then taken to be crucified. On the cross, He is mocked for not being able to save Himself. After three hours of darkness, Jesus dies. He is buried by a rich follower in a new tomb. This location is tightly guarded to prevent anyone from stealing the body.

Matthew 27 begins with an official meeting of the Jewish ruling council. They affirm Jesus' condemnation from the previous night, described in chapter 26. Judas confesses his betrayal and hangs himself. Pilate tries to release Jesus, but the mob shouts for Jesus to be crucified. Jesus is humiliated by Roman soldiers and marched to be executed. On the cross, He is mocked by Jewish religious leaders and others. He dies and is buried in a never-used tomb. Extensive efforts to secure His body from being stolen only serve to prove the miraculous nature of His resurrection, which is detailed in chapter 28.

The Gospel of Matthew clearly shows the influence of its writer's background, and his effort to reach a specific audience. Matthew was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, a Jewish man, and a former tax collector. This profession would have required literacy, and Matthew may have transcribed some of Jesus' words as they were spoken. This book is filled with references to the Old Testament, demonstrating to Israel that Jesus is the Promised One. Matthew also includes many references to coins, likely due to his former profession. Matthew records extensive accounts of Jesus' teaching, more than the other three Gospels.

Accessed 4/29/2024 9:44:14 AM