Chapter 287 of 404

Women Followers at the Cross

The presence of some of Jesus’ women followers is historically likely as well as theologically suggestive (cf. Mk 15:40-41). It is not unlikely that the soldiers would have permitted women followers to remain among the bystanders.³⁰⁴ First, that Jesus had close women followers could be used by critics as grounds for scandal,³⁰⁵ and this potential for scandal militates against the invention of this tradition by later Christians.³⁰⁶ Multiple attestation of their following also supports the tradition (Mk 15:40; Lk 8:1-3; Jn 19:25).

Second, the soldiers might not have recognized who among the crowds constituted Jesus’ followers; many people would be present merely to watch the execution. ³⁰⁷ While the women might not stand immediately beside the cross, they could remain within hearing range. But third, soldiers would be less likely to punish women present for mourning; those supposed to be relatives might be allowed near an execution.³⁰⁸ Ancient Mediterranean society in general allowed women more latitude in mourning,³⁰⁹ and women were far less frequently executed than men, though there were plenty of exceptions.³¹⁰ They might be given latitude especially if some were thought to be Jesus’ relatives. Often family members were permitted to gather around the person being crucified.³¹¹

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