Beyond the cross: The role of women in Easter story

Easter is here again and Christians all over the world are observing the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as described in the New Testament.

It also marks the end of the Lent season and is also a time of joy and celebration for many Christians worldwide.

It is therefore not surprising to see Christians organise conventions, cru­sades and picnics to commemorate the special occasion.

On Good Friday which is expect­ed to be commemorated tomorrow, a section of Christians would wear black to signify the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Predictably, it would be all white on Sunday which is the resurrection to signify victory over death.

In this article, The Spectator would look at the role women played in the entire story about the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

During the ministry of Jesus Christ, women such as Mary Mag­dalene, Mary, Martha, Joanna and Sussana played significant roles. They were devoted followers, witnesses, and provided financial support to Him, during his ministry.

At the cross, several women were present during Jesus’ crucifixion, including Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salome, and Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Matthew 27:56 mentions that “many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him.” Luke 23:27-31 and Mark 15:40-41 also refer to ‘many other women’ being present.

Women played significant roles in the events surrounding Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.

In ancient Jewish culture, wom­en’s testimony was often viewed with skepticism or dismissed altogether. A Jewish historian Josephus noted that women’s testimony was not admis­sible due to perceived flaws in their character.

This societal bias is evident in the Gospel accounts, where women’s roles as witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus were crucial, yet poten­tially problematic given the cultural context.

The resurrection account is built on the testimony of women and it best explains the central role of women in the Easter story.

In each of the four gospels of the Bible, (Matthew, Mark, Luke and, John), the women- Mary, Mary Magdalene, were the first to see the risen Jesus. It is their testimony that sends Peter and John to the empty tomb.

The role of women in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ can­not be downplayed, bringing to light how women can be agents of change and transformation in the face of adversity.

Again, the role of these women in the events surrounding the suffering, death and resurrection is a reminder of the contributions that women can make to the life of the church and recognise the important roles women play in various aspects of life includ­ing politics, education and business.

The role of women

In Mark 14: 1-9, it was a woman who anointed the head of Jesus in preparation for his burial. In Matthew 27: 19, a woman urged her husband (Pontius Pilate) to stand against the power of the mob and spare an inno­cent man’s life.

Again, women were the ones that stood at the foot of the cross as Jesus breathed his last in Matthew 28:1, Mark 16:1-6 and Luke 23:55-56 where women were the first to arrive at the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus.

Also they were the first to be entrusted with taking the good news of Christ’s resurrection to the disci­ples and were the first to witness the resurrection as captured in Matt 28: 18 -20.

Significance

According to Christianity.com, the role of these women speaks volumes of how much God loved, trusted and rewarded the women. It also speaks to the many ways God is willing, eager and able to use both men and women to advance his Kingdom.

In April 2023, a research paper on ‘The role of women in the events surrounding the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ,’ states that women can be agents of change in a society that oppresses and marginalises them.

It said the fact that women played a key role in the events sur­rounding the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus was an exam­ple of how they can effect change and transformation.

“The role of women in the events surrounding the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ can have significant implications for national development.

One way in which this can be done is by recognisng and valuing the contributions that women make to society,” it said.

The paper said just as Jesus valued and respected women in his ministry, it is important for soci­ety to recognise the important role that women play in all areas of life, including politics, business, and education, adding that this can be achieved through policies that pro­mote gender equality, equal opportu­nities, and the protection of women’s rights.

Just as the women in the Gospels were leaders and co-workers in the early Christian community, women today have the potential to be lead­ers in their communities, contribut­ing to the growth and development of their nations.

Providing education and training opportunities for women can help them develop their skills and abili­ties, and empower them to take on leadership roles in society.

It added that the role of women in the events surrounding the Easter story provides important lessons that can be applied to national develop­ment by recognising and valuing the contributions of women, promoting their education and empowerment, and encouraging their participation in all areas of life.

Society can work towards pro­moting gender equality and uplifting women in all areas of society. This is a powerful reminder that God can use even the most marginalised and overlooked members of society to bring about his purposes.