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The Crucifixion
24So they said to one another, “Let us not tear it. Instead, let us cast lots to see who will get it.” This was to fulfill the Scripture: “They divided My garments among them, and cast lots for My clothing.” So that is what the soldiers did.25Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother and her sister, as well as Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene.26When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.”
Sermons
Sandeep Poonen
John Nelson Darby
Julian of Norwich
Joshua Daniel
W.R. Inge
C.H. SpurgeonSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Mary the wife of Cleophas - She is said, in Mat 27:56, (see the note there), and Mar 15:40, to have been the mother of James the Less, and of Joses; and this James her son is said, in Mat 10:3, to have been the son of Alpheus; hence it seems that Alpheus and Cleopas were the same person. To which may be added, that Hegesippus is quoted by Eusebius, Hist. Eccl. l. iii. c. 11, as saying that Cleopas was the brother of Joseph, the husband of the virgin. Theophylact says that Cleopas, (brother of Joseph, the husband of the virgin), having died childless, his brother Joseph married his widow, by whom he had four sons, called by the evangelists the brothers of our Lord, and two daughters, the one named Salome, the other Mary, the daughter of Cleopas, because she was his daughter according to law, though she was the daughter of Joseph according to nature. There are several conjectures equally well founded with this last to be met with in the ancient commentators; but, in many cases, it is very difficult to distinguish the different Marys mentioned by the evangelists.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary, wife of Cleophas--This should be read, as in the Margin, "Clopas," the same as "Alpheus" (Mat 10:3). The "Cleopas" of Luk 24:18 was a different person.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus,.... So near as not only to see him, but to hear him speak: his mother; the mother of Jesus, Mary; which showed her affection to Christ, and her constancy in abiding by him to the last; though it must be a cutting sight, and now was fulfilled Simeon's prophecy, Luk 2:35 to see her son in such agonies and sorrow, and jeered and insulted by the worst of men; and though she herself was exposed to danger, and liable to be abused by the outrageous multitude; and it also showed that she stood in need, as others, of a crucified Saviour; so far was she from being a co-partner with him in making satisfaction for sin, as the Papists wickedly say: and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas. The Syriac, Persic, and Ethiopic versions distinguish Mary the wife of Cleophas from his mother's sister, by placing the copulative and between them, and so make two persons; whereas one and the same is intended, and who was the sister of Mary, the mother of Christ; not her own sister, for it is not likely that two sisters should be of the same name; but her husband Joseph's sister, and so her's; or else Cleophas was Joseph's brother, as Eusebius from Hegesippus says (k): and who was also not the daughter of Cleophas, as the Arabic version has here supplied it; much less the mother of him; but his wife, as is rightly put in our translation: for, according to the other evangelists, she was the mother of James and Joses, and who were the sons of Cleophas or Alphaeus; which are not the names of two persons, nor two names of one and the same person, but one and the same name differently pronounced; his true name in Hebrew was or or "Chelphi", or "Chelphai", or "Chilphi", a name frequently to be met with in Talmudic and Rabbinic writings; and so a Jewish writer (l) observes, that , "Chilpha is the same as Ilpha"; and in Greek may be pronounced either Cleophas, or Alphaeus, as it is both ways: ignorance of this has led interpreters to form different conjectures, as that either the husband of this Mary had two names; or that she was twice married to two different persons, once to Alphaeus, and after his death to Cleophas; or that Cleophas was her father, and Alphaeus her husband; for neither of which is there any foundation. She was no doubt a believer in Christ, and came and stood by his cross; not merely to keep her sister company, but out of affection to Jesus, and to testify her faith in him: and Mary Magdalene; out of whom he had cast seven devils, and who had been a true penitent, a real believer in him, an hearty lover of him, was zealously attached to him, and followed him to the last. Three Marys are here mentioned as together; and it is observable, that the greater part of those that are taken notice of, as following Christ to the cross, and standing by it, were women, the weaker, and timorous sex, when all his disciples forsook him and fled; and none of them attended at the cross, as we read of, excepting John; no, not even Peter, who boasted so much of his attachment to him. These good women standing by the cross of Christ, may teach us to do, as they did, look upon a crucified Christ, view his sorrows, and his sufferings, and our sins laid upon him, and borne and taken away by him; we should look unto him for pardon, cleansing, and justification, and, in short, for the whole of salvation: we should also weep, as they did, whilst we look on him; shed even tears of affection for, and sympathy with him; of humiliation for sin, and of joy for a Saviour: and likewise should abide by him as they did, by his persons, offices, and grace; by the doctrine of the cross, continuing steadfastly in it; and by the ordinances of Christ, constantly attending on them, and that notwithstanding all reproaches and sufferings we may undergo. (k) Emseb. Eccl. Hist. l. 3. c. 11. (l) Juchasin, fol. 92. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
19:25-26 This is the only reference to Jesus’ mother’s sister in the New Testament. She might have been the wife of Zebedee and the mother of James and John (cp. Matt 27:56), which would make Jesus and John cousins. If so, it would help explain why Jesus assigned the disciple he loved (John) to care for Mary (John’s aunt). • Mary (the wife of Clopas) is only mentioned here. She might be the same person as Mary the mother of James and Joseph (cp. Matt 27:56). • Jesus had healed Mary Magdalene, a woman from the village of Magdala (Mark 16:9; Luke 8:2). • Dear woman was a formal and polite form of address (see John 2:4).
The Crucifixion
24So they said to one another, “Let us not tear it. Instead, let us cast lots to see who will get it.” This was to fulfill the Scripture: “They divided My garments among them, and cast lots for My clothing.” So that is what the soldiers did.25Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother and her sister, as well as Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene.26When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Forgive Like Jesus Did
By Sandeep Poonen87632:46MAT 6:14MAT 18:21MAT 26:55LUK 23:34JHN 19:25
This sermon emphasizes the critical importance of forgiveness in the Christian walk, highlighting how unforgiveness can lead to dismissal from the kingdom of God. It delves into key Bible verses such as Matthew 6:14-15 and Matthew 18, illustrating the severe consequences of harboring unforgiveness. The sermon challenges listeners to examine their hearts for any signs of unforgiveness, even in subtle behaviors like coldness or silent treatment, stressing the need for radical forgiveness as demonstrated by Jesus on the cross.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
The Lord's Relations
By John Nelson Darby0Family of JesusEarly Church RelationshipsMAT 10:3MAT 27:56MRK 3:18MRK 15:40MRK 16:1LUK 6:15JHN 19:25ACT 15:13GAL 1:19John Nelson Darby explores the relationships of key figures named Mary and James in the New Testament, emphasizing their connections to Jesus and each other. He identifies Mary, the mother of James, Jude, and Joses, as the same Mary who is often mentioned alongside Mary Magdalene, and discusses the implications of these familial ties. Darby argues that James, referred to as the Lord's brother, is indeed the apostle James the less, highlighting the significance of these relationships in understanding the early church. He concludes that the identity of these individuals is crucial for grasping the narrative of Christ's life and the establishment of the church.
When He Was in Pain, We Were in Pain
By Julian of Norwich0MAT 27:45JHN 19:25ROM 8:22COL 1:201PE 2:24Julian of Norwich preaches about the deep love and compassion of Saint Mary towards Christ, emphasizing how her great love for Him caused her immense pain. She describes the interconnected suffering between Christ and His disciples, highlighting that when He was in pain, they too shared in His suffering. Julian also reflects on how all creatures, even the elements of nature, experienced sorrow during Christ's crucifixion, illustrating the profound impact of His sacrifice on all creation.
Woman, Behold Thy Son!
By Joshua Daniel0MAT 10:37JHN 19:251CO 15:55COL 3:23HEB 12:2Joshua Daniel preaches on the poignant moment at the cross where Jesus, amidst excruciating suffering, ensures the care of His mother, highlighting the importance of balancing duty to family with duty to God. Jesus exemplifies the ultimate sacrifice, showing that true love for family involves prioritizing God's will above all else. He demonstrates that through His death, the victory over sin and death is secured, offering eternal life to all who believe.
The Third Word
By W.R. Inge0PSA 34:18PSA 69:20ISA 53:3LAM 1:12LUK 2:35JHN 19:25ROM 8:18HEB 4:151PE 4:13W.R. Inge delivers a powerful sermon reflecting on the profound suffering of Jesus on the Cross and the excruciating anguish experienced by His mother, Mary. Inge explores how Mary's presence at the Crucifixion did not alleviate Jesus' suffering but rather intensified it, as her own heartache mirrored His pain. The sermon delves into the deep emotional and spiritual torment both Jesus and Mary endured, emphasizing the unique and unbearable agony of witnessing a loved one's crucifixion. Inge vividly portrays the shared suffering between Jesus and His mother, illustrating the immense weight of sorrow and grief they both carried.
Grace Found Her a Maniac—and Made Her a Minister!
By C.H. Spurgeon0Power of GraceTransformationMRK 16:9LUK 8:2JHN 19:25JHN 20:1C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the transformative power of grace through the story of Mary Magdalene, who was possessed by seven demons and found deliverance in Jesus. Her hopeless condition was changed to one of joy and purpose as she became a devoted follower and supporter of Christ. Spurgeon highlights her unwavering faithfulness, being present at the crucifixion and the resurrection, showcasing her deep connection to Jesus. The sermon illustrates how grace can turn despair into hope and make a minister out of a maniac. Spurgeon calls for others to seek such miraculous grace in their own lives.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Mary the wife of Cleophas - She is said, in Mat 27:56, (see the note there), and Mar 15:40, to have been the mother of James the Less, and of Joses; and this James her son is said, in Mat 10:3, to have been the son of Alpheus; hence it seems that Alpheus and Cleopas were the same person. To which may be added, that Hegesippus is quoted by Eusebius, Hist. Eccl. l. iii. c. 11, as saying that Cleopas was the brother of Joseph, the husband of the virgin. Theophylact says that Cleopas, (brother of Joseph, the husband of the virgin), having died childless, his brother Joseph married his widow, by whom he had four sons, called by the evangelists the brothers of our Lord, and two daughters, the one named Salome, the other Mary, the daughter of Cleopas, because she was his daughter according to law, though she was the daughter of Joseph according to nature. There are several conjectures equally well founded with this last to be met with in the ancient commentators; but, in many cases, it is very difficult to distinguish the different Marys mentioned by the evangelists.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary, wife of Cleophas--This should be read, as in the Margin, "Clopas," the same as "Alpheus" (Mat 10:3). The "Cleopas" of Luk 24:18 was a different person.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus,.... So near as not only to see him, but to hear him speak: his mother; the mother of Jesus, Mary; which showed her affection to Christ, and her constancy in abiding by him to the last; though it must be a cutting sight, and now was fulfilled Simeon's prophecy, Luk 2:35 to see her son in such agonies and sorrow, and jeered and insulted by the worst of men; and though she herself was exposed to danger, and liable to be abused by the outrageous multitude; and it also showed that she stood in need, as others, of a crucified Saviour; so far was she from being a co-partner with him in making satisfaction for sin, as the Papists wickedly say: and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas. The Syriac, Persic, and Ethiopic versions distinguish Mary the wife of Cleophas from his mother's sister, by placing the copulative and between them, and so make two persons; whereas one and the same is intended, and who was the sister of Mary, the mother of Christ; not her own sister, for it is not likely that two sisters should be of the same name; but her husband Joseph's sister, and so her's; or else Cleophas was Joseph's brother, as Eusebius from Hegesippus says (k): and who was also not the daughter of Cleophas, as the Arabic version has here supplied it; much less the mother of him; but his wife, as is rightly put in our translation: for, according to the other evangelists, she was the mother of James and Joses, and who were the sons of Cleophas or Alphaeus; which are not the names of two persons, nor two names of one and the same person, but one and the same name differently pronounced; his true name in Hebrew was or or "Chelphi", or "Chelphai", or "Chilphi", a name frequently to be met with in Talmudic and Rabbinic writings; and so a Jewish writer (l) observes, that , "Chilpha is the same as Ilpha"; and in Greek may be pronounced either Cleophas, or Alphaeus, as it is both ways: ignorance of this has led interpreters to form different conjectures, as that either the husband of this Mary had two names; or that she was twice married to two different persons, once to Alphaeus, and after his death to Cleophas; or that Cleophas was her father, and Alphaeus her husband; for neither of which is there any foundation. She was no doubt a believer in Christ, and came and stood by his cross; not merely to keep her sister company, but out of affection to Jesus, and to testify her faith in him: and Mary Magdalene; out of whom he had cast seven devils, and who had been a true penitent, a real believer in him, an hearty lover of him, was zealously attached to him, and followed him to the last. Three Marys are here mentioned as together; and it is observable, that the greater part of those that are taken notice of, as following Christ to the cross, and standing by it, were women, the weaker, and timorous sex, when all his disciples forsook him and fled; and none of them attended at the cross, as we read of, excepting John; no, not even Peter, who boasted so much of his attachment to him. These good women standing by the cross of Christ, may teach us to do, as they did, look upon a crucified Christ, view his sorrows, and his sufferings, and our sins laid upon him, and borne and taken away by him; we should look unto him for pardon, cleansing, and justification, and, in short, for the whole of salvation: we should also weep, as they did, whilst we look on him; shed even tears of affection for, and sympathy with him; of humiliation for sin, and of joy for a Saviour: and likewise should abide by him as they did, by his persons, offices, and grace; by the doctrine of the cross, continuing steadfastly in it; and by the ordinances of Christ, constantly attending on them, and that notwithstanding all reproaches and sufferings we may undergo. (k) Emseb. Eccl. Hist. l. 3. c. 11. (l) Juchasin, fol. 92. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
19:25-26 This is the only reference to Jesus’ mother’s sister in the New Testament. She might have been the wife of Zebedee and the mother of James and John (cp. Matt 27:56), which would make Jesus and John cousins. If so, it would help explain why Jesus assigned the disciple he loved (John) to care for Mary (John’s aunt). • Mary (the wife of Clopas) is only mentioned here. She might be the same person as Mary the mother of James and Joseph (cp. Matt 27:56). • Jesus had healed Mary Magdalene, a woman from the village of Magdala (Mark 16:9; Luke 8:2). • Dear woman was a formal and polite form of address (see John 2:4).