“With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. 38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died,[c] he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” 40 Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph,[d] and Salome. 41 In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.” Mark 15.37-41
Other gospel accounts have Jesus saying several words and phrases upon the cross. What I’ve noticed in Mark is that Jesus is not recorded as having these conversations. I no doubt believe he did, but Mark does not record them. There is no mention of the conversation with the thieves next to him, his instructions to John to care for his mother, or the statement “It is finished.” The statement “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me” is recorded, as is a “loud cry” when Jesus breathed his last (v.37). Besides that, Jesus is silent.
The centurion standing guard, when seeing how Jesus died, said, “Surely this man was the Son of God.” Several women, including Mary Magdalene, Jesus’ mother Mary, and Salome, were present, but we do not have on record any of their conversations. However, their presence at the foot of the cross speaks volumes. It’s notable that Mark mentions who is present and their history of following Jesus in Galilee, caring for him, and coming up with him to Jerusalem. Women were not typically included or invited to follow rabbis or be disciples.
My point is that Jesus’ actions spoke louder than his words upon the cross. His willingness to die for the sins of the world and to affirm a path not only for men to be his disciples but for women as well is significant. At any time, he could have sent them away, but he encouraged them, supported them, and received them as a crucial part of his ministry as they followed him and helped care for him and provide for the needs of those with him. And when the men had deserted him, this group of women came with him all the way to the cross.
Today, when we talk about “inclusion,” it often gets a bad rap. But Jesus was inclusive—he loved all people and was about the business of transforming them. So he doesn’t allow us to settle for anything less than his best. Alternative lifestyles, gender fluidity, and sexual promiscuity are not in his best plan for us. Jesus loves us all but calls us to holiness and to move away from our sin and selfish living.
The death Jesus died on the cross was for all people, men and women alike, and he calls all to follow him. He calls us to become like him in righteousness, to reflect the image of God, and to discover our original design in God’s Kingdom.
“O Lord God, reading about your death on the cross reminds me of your love for humanity and your great sacrifice for the sins of the world. I do not deserve your love, but I receive it wholeheartedly. I thank you for your compassion and grace, for the ways in which you strengthen me, love me, and guide me into the work you have called me to for your Kingdom. Come now, Holy Spirit, lead me along paths of righteousness. Allow me to be your hands and feet. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen.