Luke 23:55 – “The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it.”

Extended Explanation

This verse highlights the devotion of the women who had followed Jesus throughout His ministry. Even after His crucifixion, they continued to stay near Him, following Joseph of Arimathea to see where and how Jesus was buried. Their actions reveal a mixture of love, loyalty, and grief. They wanted to make sure Jesus’ body was properly cared for, and their attention to detail would lead them to return to the tomb after the Sabbath to anoint His body (Luke 24:1).

This verse also shows that the women were witnesses to Jesus’ burial. This is an important detail because their eyewitness testimony would later confirm the location of the tomb when it was found empty. Their involvement in these final moments of Jesus’ burial demonstrates their faithfulness, even when it seemed like all hope was lost.

Historical Context

The women mentioned here likely included Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and others who had supported Jesus during His ministry (Luke 8:1-3, Luke 24:10). In Jewish burial customs, it was common for women to play a role in preparing the body for burial by washing it, anointing it with spices, and wrapping it in linen. However, because the Sabbath was about to begin, they had limited time to perform these tasks.

Following Joseph of Arimathea to the tomb was likely motivated by their desire to return after the Sabbath to complete the burial rituals. This shows their devotion to Jesus and their determination to honor Him, even after His death.

Women in Jewish society typically held a lower social status, but in the Gospels, they are often portrayed as faithful and courageous followers of Jesus. Their presence at the burial and their role as the first witnesses of the resurrection highlight their importance in God’s plan.

Theological Implications

1. Faithfulness in Uncertainty: The women’s loyalty to Jesus, even after His death, shows the kind of faith that persists despite confusion, grief, and uncertainty. They didn’t fully understand what was about to happen, but their devotion kept them close to Him.
2. The Role of Women in God’s Plan: This verse is part of a larger theme in the Gospels where women play key roles in Jesus’ ministry and the events surrounding His resurrection. Their presence at the burial underscores that God values the faith and contributions of all His followers, regardless of societal status.
3. Eyewitness Testimony: The fact that the women witnessed Jesus’ burial is significant for the resurrection narrative. When they later find the tomb empty, their testimony carries weight because they had seen firsthand where Jesus was laid. This supports the truth of the resurrection.
4. Preparation for the Resurrection: Although the women came to the tomb intending to complete the burial process, they would instead be the first to witness the resurrection. Their faithfulness positioned them to be part of the greatest event in human history.

Literary Analysis

Luke’s mention of the women following Joseph and observing the burial is a deliberate narrative choice. It highlights their role as witnesses and builds anticipation for the resurrection. Their careful observation of the tomb and Jesus’ burial ensures that there is no confusion when they return and find the tomb empty.

The phrase “how his body was laid in it” suggests that the women paid close attention to the details, which is important because their knowledge of the tomb’s location would later validate the resurrection account. Luke often emphasizes the theme of faithful discipleship, and the women exemplify this through their consistent presence and devotion.

Biblical Cross-References

• Luke 8:1-3 – The women who followed Jesus and supported His ministry.
• Matthew 27:61 – A parallel account mentioning Mary Magdalene and the other Mary witnessing the burial.
• Luke 24:1-10 – The women return to the tomb on the first day of the week and find it empty.
• John 20:11-18 – Mary Magdalene is the first to see the risen Christ.
• Acts 1:14 – The women continue to play a role in the early church, praying with the apostles after Jesus’ ascension.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse is a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to Jesus, even in difficult or confusing times. The women did not abandon their devotion to Him, even when His death seemed to signal the end of their hopes. Their persistence shows that faith is not dependent on understanding everything perfectly—it involves trust and loyalty, even when the outcome is unclear.

This verse also highlights the importance of preparation. The women intended to return to the tomb to complete the burial rituals, but instead, they encountered the risen Christ. This shows that God often works in unexpected ways, and our faithfulness in small tasks can position us for great blessings.

Additionally, the role of women in this story encourages believers to see that God values everyone, regardless of their social standing. Just as the women were given the privilege of witnessing the resurrection, all believers have a role to play in God’s plan, and their contributions are significant.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown through His faithfulness to those who are devoted to Him. The women’s love for Jesus was met with the ultimate blessing—they were the first to witness the empty tomb and hear the good news of His resurrection. This demonstrates that God rewards faithfulness and that His love is personal and specific.

God’s love is also evident in the way He involves ordinary people in His extraordinary plan. The women were not prominent religious leaders, but they were chosen to be witnesses of the most important event in history. This shows that God’s love is inclusive, and He delights in using those who are often overlooked by society.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse connects to Jesus as the central figure of faith and devotion. The women’s actions demonstrate their love for Him, even in death, and their faithfulness ultimately leads to their role as witnesses of the resurrection. Their experience at the tomb highlights Jesus’ victory over death and the fulfillment of His promise to rise again.

Jesus’ burial also connects to His role as the fulfillment of prophecy. The fact that His burial was witnessed and documented ensures that His resurrection could be verified. His death, burial, and resurrection are all part of the Gospel message that brings salvation to the world.

• 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – Paul emphasizes the importance of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection as the foundation of the Gospel.
• Isaiah 53:9 – The prophecy that Jesus would be buried with the rich, fulfilled by Joseph’s actions.
• Mark 16:6 – The women are told by the angel that Jesus has risen, confirming His victory over death.
• John 11:25-26 – Jesus declares that He is the resurrection and the life, a promise fulfilled through His resurrection.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does the women’s faithfulness to Jesus teach you about remaining devoted to Him in difficult times?
2. How can you show the same kind of love and loyalty to Jesus in your daily life?
3. What does this verse reveal about the importance of preparation and paying attention to the details of God’s work in your life?
4. How does the role of the women in the resurrection story encourage you to see your own role in God’s plan as significant?
5. In what ways can you be a witness to the resurrection of Jesus, just as the women were witnesses to His burial and empty tomb?