Not Alone

Matthew 27:55-56, Mark 15:40-41, Luke 23:27 & John 19:25b

Many women were also there, looking on from a distance; they had followed Jesus from Galilee and had provided for him. Among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

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There were also women looking on from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome.

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These used to follow him and provided for him when he was in Galilee; and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem.

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A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

While many had deserted him, even most of his disciples, he was not alone as he hung on the cross. There were still several faithful women who stood at the foot of the cross, comforting Jesus and one another. He did not die alone. He did not die surrounded by strangers jeering at him. He died surrounded by people who loved him.

When it seems that everyone has deserted us, we are not alone. At the very least the Spirit remains with us, as does the mother of the Lord. Neither of them will ever desert us.