The behaviour of the female disciples in Mark’s Passion

Abstract

Following Jesus constitutes one of the greatest themes in Mark’s Gospel. Although the whole text revolves around the life and works of Jesus, the role of the disciples is also highlighted, always accompanying Christ. Mark’s legacy gives us valuable information about the relationship between Jesus and his female disciples, above all in the final moments of his life on earth. The women allowed themselves to be moved by the love of Jesus as he travelled the roads of Galilee and Palestine. Their hearts were touched by the words and deeds of the one sent by God, and their lives were completely transformed. They were fully at the service of the community that gathered around Jesus. That is why they stayed firm in the hour of trial and did not cease to be united with their Lord at the terrible time of his passion and death, even though this was at a distance. In short, they proved their worth as genuine disciples, although they did not overcome their fear as resurrection dawned. They walked with Christ through adversity and it is that faithfulness that makes them models of authentic belief at the beginning of Christianity.