Mary's New Caregiver

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The adversative conjunction but introduces a sharp contrast between the callous indifference of the soldiers (v. 25a), who were gambling for Christ's clothes (and, by implication, the sneering hatred of the rulers [Luke 23:35] and the mocking contempt of those passing by [Matt. 27:39–40]), and the compassionate love of a small group of loyal followers. They were standing by (para; “beside,” or, “alongside”) the cross of Jesus, close enough for Him to speak to them. (Later, either driven away by the soldiers, or unable to bear any longer the sight of Christ's suffering at such close range, they retreated some distance away to where a larger group of Christ's followers was standing [Luke 23:49].) Their love for Jesus overcame their fear (cf. 1 John 4:18), and they came to Him.

The number of women in the group is disputed, but there were most likely four. Jesus' mother, Mary, was there. This was the time that Simeon had warned her long ago would come, when the sword would pierce her soul as she watched her Son suffer (Luke 2:35). Of the three lists of women (cf. Matt. 27:55–56; Mark 15:40–41), John's is the only one that mentions the presence of Jesus' mother. Her omission by Matthew and Mark is in keeping with her low-key role in the New Testament—and in striking contrast to the significant role assigned to her in Roman Catholic theology...