54 It was the preparation day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. 55 Now the women who had come with Him out of Galilee followed, and saw the tomb and how His body was laid. 56 Then they returned and prepared spices and perfumes. And on the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment. Luke 23:54-56

With the exception of John (John 19:25-27) and of course Judas Iscariot, it is likely the disciples were huddled together in hiding while the drama at the cross unfolded. On the other hand, always near Jesus’ side were the women, though considered in that society to occupy a lower tier. They witnessed Jesus’ death to the bitter end, his hastened burial, and the evidence and announcement of his resurrection, thereby making them eminently qualified to first understand and then share the gospel.

That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15:4

It seems from examining the gospel accounts that Jesus’ constant companions were at least Mary Magdalene, Mary mother of Jesus, Salome, her sister and mother of James and John, and Mary mother of James the Less.

Perhaps it was their station in life that allowed them to fly below the radar, but being married to the modern day equivalent of one of the Bible’s many Mary’s myself, I tend to think it was their innate courage, dogged determination, and sense of the moment. From my observation, women tend to prod (or shame) us men into action. I also tend to think if Jesus were to walk into church on Sunday, they’d sense it and know it first.

In many accounts in scripture, women obviously occupy the exalted positions, typically because of their great faith and courage (Esther, Rahab, Ruth, Lydia, Phoebe, and most everyone with a first name “Mary”).

Here, despite Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus’ best efforts in interring the Savior using 100 pounds of spices, the women who looked on decided they’d return after the Sabbath and do the job right! (Luke 24:1) Typical.

We should all aspire to be like these women, who were always present and accounted for. And, oh yes, acting always within the rules (And on the Sabbath day they rested).