Definition: And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the [mother] of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 16:13. It’s a really important passage about Jesus after his resurrection! Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, it’s about preparing for someone to see Jesus. “When the sabbath was past…” – This refers to the final day of Jewish law (the Sabbath). It’s a time of rest and remembrance. It's basically the end of a holy period. “…Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome…” – These are three women who were close to Jesus during his ministry. They were devoted followers and were involved in his life. "...had bought sweet spices..." - This is key! “Sweet spices” meant things like myrrh, frankincense, and roses. These were used in religious rituals and were believed to have a special significance – they were associated with purity, mourning, and remembrance of Jesus’s sacrifice. "...that they might come and anoint him." - This means they were gathering to bring Jesus to the attention of his followers. They were preparing a place for him to be honored and remembered. So, what's the big deal? This verse tells us that after Jesus rose from the dead, he started sending his followers to tell people about his resurrection. These women, through their preparation, were meant to be the first people to witness and share the good news of Jesus’ victory over death! In a nutshell, it's a story of anticipation and remembrance – that Jesus's life and death are important and will be remembered. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about the time this passage was written? Answer any specific questions you have about this verse?