Series: Hidden Heroes of Holy Week (Week 1)
Podcast: The Bible Unplugged (TBU)
Host: J. Brent Eaton
Bible Translation: World English Bible (WEB)
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Episode Summary
On the day Jesus was crucified, fear scattered most of His followers. But a small group stayed—quietly, bravely, and close enough to hear Him speak. This episode looks at the hidden courage of the women who remained near the cross, and how their presence reveals something profound about love, faithfulness, and spiritual strength.
The Hidden Heroes
In John’s account, several women are described as “standing by the cross of Jesus”—not observing from a safe distance, but remaining close in the most dangerous and heartbreaking moment of the story.
Named in John 19:25–27
Mary, the mother of Jesus
His mother’s sister
Mary the wife of Clopas
Mary Magdalene
(See also Matthew 27:55–56; Mark 15:40–41; Luke 23:49)
Key Passage
John 19:25–27 (WEB)
John uniquely highlights the women near the cross and includes Jesus’ final act of relational care—ensuring His mother will be provided for by “the disciple whom he loved.”
Why This Matters
1) Presence is a form of courage
Not all bravery is loud. Sometimes the bravest thing is simply staying present in pain.
2) Hidden people often carry heavy spiritual weight
The Kingdom of God moves forward through faithfulness that rarely gets recognized.
3) God entrusts responsibility to those who remain
In the middle of suffering, Jesus makes provision for His mother—something that happens in the presence of faithful, steady people who did not run.
Takeaways From the Story
Presence is a ministry.
Quiet faithfulness matters more than visibility.
Love isn’t always action—sometimes love is endurance.
Challenge for the Week
Choose one uncomfortable moment you would normally avoid—and stay present.
Examples:
Stay present with someone who is grieving (without fixing or advising too quickly).
Stay present with your own emotions (without numbing or distracting).
Stay present in prayer (without rushing past silence).
Pray as You Go:
Breath in: Lord Jesus…
Breath out: … help me stay
Scripture References (WEB)
John 19:25–27 — Women standing by the cross; Jesus provides for His mother
Luke 23:49 — Women who followed Jesus watching the crucifixion
Mark 15:40–41 — Women witnesses; they followed and served Jesus
Matthew 27:55–56 — Many women present; followed Jesus from Galilee
Next Week (Week 2 Preview)
Next episode: Joseph of Arimathea — a man who steps forward when there’s nothing to gain and everything to lose.
