In considering the enormity of the Easter event, some things could easily be overlooked. While trying as carefully as I can to examine the Gospel accounts, I couldn’t help but notice how Jesus’ followers conducted themselves in such a crisis.
In an earlier post, I gave a rather unflattering account of the conduct of the Disciples during the ordeal of Jesus’ arrest, mock trial, and illegal execution. The account was accurate. It’s another occasion where all grounds for human pride and boasting are removed.
It was the Women who stepped forth and displayed bravery! So much for the myth about “the weaker sex!”
“And there were also women watching from a distance, among whom were both Mary the Magdalene and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses; and Salome, they who when he was in Galilee used to follow him and provide for him, plus many others who had come up to Jerusalem with him. (Mark 15:40-41)
These are just a couple of verses, among many more in Mark and the other Gospel records giving account of several ladies who were present and accounted for and the band of brothers who had gone AWOL.
It’s apparent that the ladies possessed a tender and great strength which the men did not have at that time. Their love and adoration of Christ was far greater than their fear of death, or anything else. They loved Christ more than they feared the Roman soldiers. Or their own safety. In the dark hours before the Resurrection there’s not a single reason given for boasting among the men. Not a hero among them!
In this connection, it was almost impossible not to recall these words by John Montgomery:
“In the hour of trial,
Jesus, plead for me;
Lest by base denial
I depart from thee;
When thou seest me waver,
With a look recall,
Nor for fear or favor
Suffer me to fall.”
Scripture Student 