T H E O P H I L U S

⁴⁰ Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, 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 15:40-41 (NIV)

The gospels only briefly mention the women who followed Jesus before his crucifixion, but their significance is powerful. They were the ones who stayed with Jesus in his darkest hours, even when the male disciples had deserted him. Among these women were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Lesser and Joseph, and Salome, the mother of James the Greater and John. The women’s unwavering faith in Jesus challenges us to consider whether we, too, cling to God during difficult times or deny Him.

Faith in the Lord is what carries us through pain and points us in the direction of hope. It is not a painless path, but it is through both good and bad times that we find faith. We must choose to trust in God’s promises and put our faith in Him, even if it does not seem practical or favorable to do so.

Our spiritual challenge today is to consider whether we are facing difficult situations or dilemmas that challenge our integrity and faithfulness to the Lord. We must choose to cling to the Lord and put our faith in His promises, even when the odds are against us. By doing so, we can trust that He will reveal His good and perfect will for our lives.

As Proverbs 3:5-6 says,

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”