Definition: There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Mark 15:40. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage in the Bible. Here's what it means in simple terms: What’s Happening? This verse describes what happened after Jesus was crucified. He was being carried to the cross, and as he was being led into the city, women began to gather and watch. They were looking at him, specifically, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and Salome (a woman named Salome). What’s Being Said? It's telling us that many women were present at Jesus’ crucifixion. They weren't just passively observing; they were watching him. The Significance - It's a Key Detail in the Story This is a crucial detail because it highlights several things: Their Grief and Hope: The fact that so many women were present suggests a deep sense of sorrow, perhaps even disbelief, at his death. However, there’s also a glimmer of hope – they are watching him, which implies they believe he will be remembered or that something significant might happen. A Witnessing Effect: The fact that so many people were present shows the powerful impact of Jesus' sacrifice. It demonstrates that his death was not just a personal event but a moment of profound significance for many. Important Note - It’s a Bit Symbolic It's worth remembering that this isn’t necessarily about every woman watching. The verse is more suggestive and symbolic than explicitly stating who was looking. It focuses on the presence of women as witnesses. In short, the verse tells us that many women were present at Jesus’ crucifixion, observing him with a mixture of sadness, hope, and perhaps a sense of witnessing something significant. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Provide context about what was happening in the time it was written?