Matthew 28 mentions two women named Mary at the tomb of Jesus: Mary Magdalene and another Mary. This second Mary is generally identified as Mary, the mother of James and Joses (also called Joseph). She is also often considered to be the same person as “Mary the wife of Clopas” mentioned in John 19:25, though this identification is debated among scholars. In Mark 15:40 and Matthew 27:56, this Mary is described as witnessing Jesus’ crucifixion.
Understanding the presence of these women at the tomb is significant for several reasons. They serve as crucial witnesses to the resurrection, playing a key role in the narrative of the early Christian community. Their presence highlights the important roles women played in Jesus’ ministry, even in a patriarchal society. The accounts of their experience offer valuable insights into the emotional and spiritual impact of the resurrection on those closest to Jesus.
