Today, we’re going to focus on a group of women, the unsung witness of the resurrection story. These women were the first to witness the empty tomb, and the first to receive the joyous news of Jesus’ resurrection. They were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome.
What were they doing at the tomb so early in the morning? And why is their role so significant? Well, that’s exactly what we’re going to explore.
1. The Women at the Tomb – Who Were They?
According to the Gospel accounts, they were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome. These women were not just casual acquaintances of Jesus. No, they were His faithful followers, women who had been with Him through the highs and lows of His earthly ministry.
Mary Magdalene is perhaps the most well-known among them. She had a life-changing encounter with Jesus, who cast seven demons out of her (Luke 8:2). From that moment on, she became one of His most devoted followers. Her love for Jesus was so profound that she stood by Him even in His darkest hours, at the cross and at the tomb.
Then there was Mary, the mother of James. This Mary is often identified with Mary of Clopas, mentioned in John’s Gospel. She is also thought to be the sister of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her presence at the tomb testifies to her unwavering faith in Jesus.
Salome is a somewhat mysterious figure in the Bible. She is mentioned by name only in the Gospel of Mark as one of the women who went to the tomb. Some scholars suggest that she might be the mother of the apostles James and John, but this is not explicitly stated in the Bible. Despite her somewhat shadowy presence, Salome’s inclusion in this critical event underscores the important role women played in Jesus’ ministry.
These women were there at the crucifixion, standing at a distance, watching the heartbreaking scene unfold (Matthew 27:55-56). They were there when Jesus was laid in the tomb, observing where His body was placed (Mark 15:47). And now, they were there at the dawn of the first Easter, carrying spices to anoint Jesus’ body (Mark 16:1).
2. What Did the Women Find at the Tomb?
Imagine the scene. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a soft light over the landscape. The women, carrying their spices, approached the tomb with heavy hearts. They were expecting to find the body of Jesus, their beloved teacher, lying still in death. But what they found was something entirely different.
As they neared the tomb, they noticed something unusual. The stone that had been sealing the entrance had been rolled away. This was their first hint that something extraordinary had occurred.
Stepping into the tomb, they found it empty. The body of Jesus was nowhere to be found. Instead, they were greeted by an angelic figure, shining with heavenly light. The angel delivered the astonishing news: “He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” (Matthew 28:6)
The discovery of the empty tomb is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. It signifies that Jesus had indeed risen, just as He said He would. This was not a case of grave robbery or a misplaced body. This was a divine act, a miracle that defied all human understanding.
The empty tomb is a powerful testament to the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise and the truth of His words. It’s a beacon of hope, a symbol of victory over death, and a promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him.
The women’s discovery didn’t just change their lives – it changed the course of history. It marked the dawn of a new era, an era of grace and redemption ushered in by the resurrection of Jesus.
3. What Were They Doing at the Tomb So Early in the Morning?
What were these devoted women doing at the tomb so early in the morning? The Gospel of Mark gives us a clue. It tells us that the women brought spices to anoint Jesus’ body (Mark 16:1). This was a common burial practice in Jewish culture, a final act of love and respect for the deceased.
But there’s more to it than that. These women, in the depth of their grief, were drawn to the last place they had seen Jesus. They were propelled by their love for Him, their sorrow over His death, and perhaps a flicker of hope kindled by His promise of resurrection.
In the quiet, predawn hours, they ventured out, carrying their heavy spices and heavier hearts. They were not deterred by the stone that sealed the tomb or the Roman guards who might be stationed there. Their love for Jesus was stronger than their fear.
And so, they arrived at the tomb, ready to perform this final act of devotion. But instead of finding a sealed tomb and a lifeless body, they found an empty tomb and an angel with the most joyous news – Jesus had risen!
4. Did the Mother of Jesus Return to the Tomb?
An intriguing question that often arises in discussions about the resurrection story is whether Mary, the mother of Jesus, returned to the tomb. The Gospels do not explicitly mention Mary, the mother of Jesus, as one of the women who visited the tomb on the morning of the resurrection.
However, we know from the Gospel of John that Mary was present at the crucifixion (John 19:25). She stood by her son in His most agonizing moments, a testament to her unwavering love and faith. But the Bible does not provide a clear account of her actions or whereabouts on the morning of the resurrection.
While we can’t say for certain whether Mary, the mother of Jesus, visited the tomb, we can imagine the joy and relief she must have felt upon hearing the news of His resurrection. After witnessing the pain and suffering of her son on the cross, the news of His victory over death would have been a source of immense comfort and joy.
This lack of explicit mention in the Bible does not diminish the significant role Mary played in Jesus’ life and ministry. From the Annunciation to the Crucifixion, Mary’s life was intimately intertwined with the divine plan of salvation. Her faith, obedience, and love serve as a model for all believers.
5. How Do the Gospel Accounts of the Women at the Tomb Differ?
The Gospel accounts of the women at the tomb provide a fascinating study. Each Gospel writer presents the event with unique details, offering us a rich, multi-faceted view of this pivotal moment.
In the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 28:1-10), we find Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, who is often identified as Mary the mother of James. They arrive at the tomb to find it already open, and an angel announces to them the resurrection of Jesus.
In the Gospel of Mark (Mark 16:1-8), Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome are named. They buy spices to anoint Jesus’ body, wondering who will roll away the stone for them. But when they arrive, they find the stone already rolled away and a young man dressed in white who tells them that Jesus has risen.
The Gospel of Luke (Luke 24:1-12) mentions Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, along with other women. They find the stone rolled away and two men in dazzling clothes who announce the resurrection.
In the Gospel of John (John 20:1-18), only Mary Magdalene is mentioned. She comes to the tomb while it is still dark and finds the stone removed. She runs to tell Peter and John, who come and see the empty tomb for themselves. After they leave, Mary Magdalene remains and encounters the risen Jesus.
Now, let’s put these accounts side by side in a table for a clearer comparison:
| Gospel | Women Named | Discovery | Announcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew | Mary Magdalene, the other Mary | Stone already rolled away | An angel |
| Mark | Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salome | Stone already rolled away | A young man in white |
| Luke | Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, other women | Stone already rolled away | Two men in dazzling clothes |
| John | Mary Magdalene | Stone already removed | The risen Jesus |
These differences in the Gospel accounts are not contradictions but rather complementary details that give us a fuller picture of the event. Each Gospel writer had a unique perspective and audience, which influenced the details they included in their accounts.
.
6. The Significance of the Women at the Tomb
The presence of the women at the tomb is not just a minor detail in the resurrection story. Far from it! It’s a powerful testament to several profound truths that continue to resonate with us today.
- Devotion and Faithfulness: These women, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, were devoted followers of Jesus. They were there during His crucifixion, they were there when He was laid in the tomb, and they were there at the break of dawn, ready to anoint His body. Their presence at the tomb speaks volumes about their unwavering faith and steadfast love for Jesus.
- First Witnesses: The fact that women were the first to witness the empty tomb and the risen Jesus is significant. In a time when women’s testimonies were often dismissed, the fact that women were the first to witness and proclaim Jesus’ resurrection is a powerful testament to the inclusive nature of Jesus’ ministry. As it says in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
- Joyful Messengers: The women at the tomb were transformed from mourners to joyful messengers. They were the first to hear the angel’s joyous proclamation, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” (Matthew 28:6). They were the first to experience the joy of the resurrection, and they were the first to share this joy with others.
- Challenging Societal Norms: The role of the women in the resurrection story also challenges the patriarchal norms of their time. It shows that in God’s grand plan, women have a crucial role to play. They were entrusted with the most joyous news ever – the resurrection of Jesus Christ!
This was a radical departure from the societal norms of the time. In a society where women’s testimonies were often disregarded, it was women who were chosen to be the first witnesses of the most significant event in human history.
7. Who Was Salome in the Bible?
Her name appears only once in the Gospel of Mark (Mark 16:1), where she is listed as one of the women who went to the tomb. Despite her brief mention, Salome’s presence at this pivotal event is significant.
- Salome’s Role: Salome was one of the women who witnessed both the crucifixion and the burial of Jesus (Mark 15:40-47). She was there, standing at a distance, watching these heartbreaking events unfold. And yet, she remained, steadfast in her faith.
- Salome at the Tomb: On that first Easter morning, Salome, along with Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James, went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body (Mark 16:1). Imagine their surprise when they found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty!
- Salome’s Reaction: The Bible doesn’t provide a detailed account of Salome’s reaction to the empty tomb. However, we can imagine her astonishment, her fear, and ultimately, her joy upon realizing that Jesus had risen.
- Salome’s Legacy: While Salome’s presence in the Bible is somewhat fleeting, her impact is lasting. She is remembered as one of the first witnesses of the resurrection, a testament to her faith and devotion.
- Salome’s Identity: Some scholars suggest that Salome might be the mother of the apostles James and John. This theory is based on a cross-reference with Matthew 27:56, which mentions “the mother of Zebedee’s sons” among the women at the cross. However, this is not explicitly stated in the Bible.
8. Mary the Mother of James in the Bible
This Mary is often identified with Mary of Clopas, as mentioned in John’s Gospel. She is also thought to be the sister of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Mary, the mother of James, is mentioned in the Bible not just as a witness to the resurrection, but also as a witness to Jesus’ crucifixion. In Matthew 27:56, she is described as one of the women “who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him.”
In the Gospel of Luke, we read about women who provided for Jesus and the disciples out of their resources (Luke 8:1-3). While Mary, the mother of James, is not explicitly named in this account, it’s likely she was one of these women.
9. The Role of Women in the New Testament
| Name | Role | Bible Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Mary, Mother of Jesus | Chosen by God to give birth to the Savior. Her faith and obedience set a high standard for all believers. | Luke 1:26-38 |
| Elizabeth | Mother of John the Baptist. Her story is one of faith and patience in God’s promises. | Luke 1:5-25, 57-80 |
| Mary Magdalene | A devoted follower of Jesus, she was the first to see the risen Christ. | John 20:1-18 |
| Mary and Martha | Sisters who provided a home for Jesus during His ministry. They represent the balance of service and worship. | Luke 10:38-42 |
| The Samaritan Woman | Her encounter with Jesus at the well led to many in her town believing in Him. | John 4:1-42 |
| Lydia | A businesswoman who became a believer and opened her home to Paul and Silas for a church. | Acts 16:14-15 |
| Priscilla | Along with her husband Aquila, she was a teacher of the faith and a helper to Paul. | Acts 18:1-3, 18-28 |
| Phoebe | A deacon in the early church, she was commended by Paul for her service. | Romans 16:1-2 |
Conclusion
The women at the tomb, namely Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, were the first to witness the resurrection of Jesus, a pivotal event in the Christian faith. Despite differences in the Gospel accounts, their presence at the tomb is consistently noted, underscoring their significant roles and the value Jesus placed on women.
Their discovery of the empty tomb is a cornerstone of the Easter story, symbolizing the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise and the victory over death. The role of these women challenges societal norms of their time, highlighting the inclusive nature of Jesus’ ministry.
Salome and Mary the mother of James, though less prominent figures in the Bible, are crucial in this narrative, further emphasizing the importance of women in the New Testament. The story of the women at the tomb is a testament to their faith, courage, and the transformative power of the resurrection.
