The Faithful Witnesses: Women at the Empty Tomb

Introduction Matthew 27:57-61

“The Bible is misogynistic and oppressive towards women.” This statement is often made in reference to the Bible, and the men who wrote the Bible. However, this statement can be refuted just by knowing the importance that God placed on many women of the Bible. Eve, the “mother of all living things”, Sarai, mother of nations, Rahab, the prostitute included in the lineage of Jesus, Ruth the Moabite, grandmother to King David, and many many more. What does all of this have to do with Easter? To begin with, You’ll notice the presence of Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” at both the death of Jesus and the burial of Jesus. These women have been important, dedicated, and faithful disciples of Jesus and they have another part to play yet!

Who is Mary Magdalene? Luke 8:1-2

Mary Magdalene was a woman who had seven demons come out of her, and proceeded to follow Jesus as a disciple. We see her presence in many key events, including the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

Who is “the other Mary” Mark 15:40

This Mary, while not as prominent as Mary Magdalene, is still an important figure in the Gospels. She is referred to in three ways. The other Mary, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and Mary the wife of Clopas. This Mary is also present during many key events in the Gospels to include the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

Faith Continues After Burial Matthew 28:1-7

Even after the burial of Jesus, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary continued in their dedication to Jesus. They had helped anoint the body of Jesus before He was lain in the tomb, then the morning of the resurrection they are going to see His tomb. What does it say about the apostles that even the Eleven were in hiding, but these women were willing to risk danger in going to see the tomb of Jesus. The Bible shows us that God will use women. The greatest example of this is Deborah in judges. There were not faithful men in her time, and no men that trusted in the Lord enough to do His will in all of Israel, that He lifted up Deborah to the role of prophetess and judge. And so, God lifts up Mary Magdalene and Mary mother of James and Joseph.

Commission Given to Mary and Mary Matthew 28:8-10

Here we have the commission given by Jesus to the Mary’s. He tells them to go and tell the apostles to meet Him in Galilee. What is so important or significant about Jesus giving this commission to Mary and Mary? In ancient Near Eastern cultures (yes, including Jewish) women were considered lower class, and often untrustworthy. The fact that the most important news was given to what would be considered the most untrustworthy source speaks to the truth of the resurrection. It also should give us hope and courage to witness the Gospel to all the world.