Matthew 27:61 - Exposition

The other Mary. The mother of James and Joses (verse 56). These pious women could not tear themselves from the spot where their Lord was buried. The last to leave him dead, they were the first to see him risen. And now they watch the last ceremonies at a distance, intending to complete the imperfect embalmment with loving care as soon as ever the sabbath was over. "Seest thou women's courage?" says Chrysostom; "seest thou their affection? seest thou their noble spirit in expending money [ Mark 16:1 ; Luke 23:56 ]? their noble spirit even unto death? Let us men imitate the women; let us not forsake Jesus in temptations . " We may note that the care of Joseph in providing an inviolable tomb, and the preparations of these good women, showed that they as yet had no faith in the incorruptibility of Christ's body or of his corporeal resurrection from the dead.