Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 19:25

"These things therefore the soldiers did. But there were standing by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother`s sister, Mary the [wife] of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene." — John 19:25 (ASV)

The harsh brutality of the scene is softened by the allusion to Jesus’ care for his mother. Four women are mentioned here: Mary, the wife of Clopas; Mary Magdalene; Mary, the mother of Jesus; and his mother’s sister, who was presumably Salome, the mother of James and John (cf. Matthew 27:56; Mark 10:35; Mark 15:40). The identity of Mary of Clopas is uncertain. Mary of Magdala (a town on the western side of the Sea of Galilee) appears in Luke’s list of those who helped support Jesus by their contributions . Nothing in the NT implies that she was of loose moral character. The anguish and terror of Jesus’ mother at the Crucifixion must have been indescribable. His tender concern for her in the hour of his mortal agony illustrates his true humanity and compassion.

On the assumption that John was “the disciple whom he loved,” it could well be that Jesus consigned his mother to John’s care because none of his brothers was present and because John was the nearest available relative. Apparently John removed Mary from the scene at once and took her to his home in Jerusalem. His temporary absence may account for the omission of some of the details found in the Synoptic Gospels, including Jesus’ dialogue with the criminals who were crucified with him. Mary must have remained in Jerusalem for a time since she was present at the session of prayer that preceded Pentecost.