In Jesus’ day, women were expected to wear head coverings, limit their involvement in public affairs, and focus on working in their homes. 

What a different perspective we are given from the way Jesus treated women! 

We know from the Gospels that women travelled with Jesus and His male disciples – an action that would have scandalized strict religious people in those days – and they also generously supported the ministry of Jesus practically and financially from their own resources. (See Luke 8:1-3) 

Which is why we must not miss the importance of Mark’s simple statement informing us of the presence of women at the tomb when Jesus was buried. 

In those days, the testimony of a woman was not allowed to be admitted to court because they were considered as “unreliable.” Mark’s comment then is a powerful argument for the authenticity of the death and resurrection of Jesus. 

Think about it? If you were writing an account seeking to convince people a man rose from the dead, would you include the evidence of so-called unreliable witnesses? Well, you would, if you were telling the truth. 

These women have already demonstrated great courage by staying with Jesus during His crucifixion, and now we find them at the place of His burial. 

Because Jesus died as a condemned criminal, they are forbidden by law to show any signs of mourning or grief. As one author said, “they followed the burial of their Lord with silent pain.” 

Shortly, they will leave the tomb and make their way home where they will be able to freely express their sorrow. 

Before leaving, they take careful note of the tomb and its location in the Garden because on Sunday morning they will return to “anoint His body”, one final act of love and devotion on their part. 

What they don’t know is that on that day, their “mourning will be turned into dancing!” 

Today’s Bible reading: Mark 15:46-47