What is the context?
After describing the soldiers' response, Matthew turns to women watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee and served Him. He names Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee's sons. These are followers whose service began before the crucifixion.
Luke 8:1–3 gives a wider picture of women who accompanied Jesus and supported His ministry from their own resources. Matthew's account here leads into their continued presence: Mary Magdalene and the other Mary watch the burial in 27:61 and return to the tomb in 28:1. They connect the account of His death with what happens at His tomb.
Matthew's list is not a statement that no other follower was nearby. Luke 23:49 mentions those who knew Him standing at a distance, and John 19:25–27 describes Jesus' mother and the disciple He loved near the cross.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christian readings commonly recognize these women as faithful followers whose presence matters to the account of Jesus' death, burial, and empty tomb. Calvin on 27:55 emphasizes their devotion and witness, while the US Catholic bishops' note on 27:55–56 highlights the same women's appearance at the burial and the tomb afterward; no denominational breakdown is needed here.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.