Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 27:56

"among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee." — Matthew 27:56 (ASV)

Along with the soldiers, certain women (generally not highly regarded in Jewish society) watched to the bitter end (see comment on Mk 15:40–41). They kept their distance (v.55), whether through timidity or modesty; and last at the cross, they were first at the tomb (28:1). Not only do they provide continuity to the narrative, but they prove that God has chosen the lowly and despised things of the world to shame the wise and strong (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:27–31).