At every turn in Jesus crucifixion, the women seem to be standing by. No mention is made of the disciples or other followers of Jesus in His death. Many of them were likely afraid they would meet the same fate if they were identified near Jesus as He hung on the cross. But the women stood by and watched each stage: His crucifixion, His burial, and His resurrection (when they went to give His body a more elaborate treatment).

I am reminded of all the details the account of Jesus’ death and resurrection would be missing, if they had not been content to serve or brave enough to try to sneak past the angry Jewish leaders. They were the ones to hear Him cry out the Psalm, to see His last breath, to witness the earthquake, and to hear the Roman guards exclaim, “He really was the Son of God!”

Am I content to serve quietly and calmly in the background?

What ways am I called to bravely face the possibility of persecution in order to stand up and help others?