Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, His mother’s sister Mary, the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. John 19:25
Did you ever wonder why parents would name two of their girls Mary? That’s what it appears happened in the family that produced two of the women in our text. Jesus’ mother is called Mary, and so is her sister, identified as the wife of Cleophas. Those who have studied this issue have come to the surprising conclusion that Jesus’ mother was not named Mary! They are right. A close examination of the original Greek text indicates that the woman identified as Jesus’ mother was named Mariam, a slight variation on the Hebrew Miriam, while her sister was called Mary, or more accurately, Maria. Both of these women played a great role in the identification of Jesus as the Christ, and there is great significance in their appearance at the foot of His cross.
To Mariam was given the revelation that she would be the vessel of whom would be born the Son of God. To this godly woman was granted the honour of being His earthly mother, of being the one through whom all the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament would come to pass. Mary received this revelation before Jesus was born. And as He grew and developed, she would surely see that her firstborn son was unique and wondrously special. From faithful Mariam we receive the promise.
A little digging uncovers this woman Maria one other place in Scripture. In Luke 24, one of the two disciples who encountered the Lord Jesus on the Emmaus highway is identified as Cleophas – Maria’s husband. Strong traditional references indicate that Cleophas was making that trip in the company of his wife. Very likely, it was to His Aunt Maria that Jesus expounded in the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. This was no small event. In this encounter, these disciples received revelations and clarifications that they would pass on to the other believers. From Cleophas and Maria would come the confirmation of Christ as the fulfillment of all that the prophets spake. From faithful Maria we receive the proof.
Combining the promise received from Mariam and the proof received from Maria, we have the rich assurance of those things most surely believed among us. Praise God for His faithful witnesses! -Jim MacIntosh