Many
women were also there, looking on from a distance; they had followed Jesus from Galilee
and had provided for him.
The women who actually knew and provided for Jesus stood at a
distance to watch the death of their beloved master.
These women had been with Jesus during his entire ministry. No small
accomplishment. They had been with him as long as the disciples had been. They had
provided or cared for him. They had taken care of him. They were like wives or mothers to
him. Jesus’ journey was long – from Galilee to Jerusalem, across the Jordan, to
Ephraim, out past the Jordan River into Peraea and back again to Jerusalem. Three years
they took care of him.
They had to have been as close to him as the disciples were, possibly
even closer.
Yet, they stood at a distance – watching and mourning. Knowing
they had no more control over unfolding events than they had over Jesus. Knowing that this
man they had cared for would soon die. They knew he was special, but at this moment they
didn’t know just how special he was. They had trusted him, believed him, adored him.
Was it over now? Was the dream dashed?
We know the rest of the story. We know that Jesus was the Son of God.
We know that Jesus paid the ultimate price for our sins. We know he rose from the dead. We
know he died so that we might live. We know that, with those women, we will walk with him
again.
What greater peace can be given? What greater peace can be sought?
Dear Lord, we pray that you will bring us the peace these women
felt, even in their grief. We pray that, like the women who looked at the crucifixion from
a distance, we will come to know you better and grow closer to you. Lord, we pray that at
the time of our deaths, we will follow you into the kingdom of heaven. In Christ’s
name we pray. Amen.
Amy Keith
