The Three Marys "Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene," John 19:25. Before I say anything about the three Marys, I must mention Salome. She is not referred to in this verse. John was inclined 'to take a back seat'. He was modest. This is evident from the verse 26 where he does not use his own name. So he passes his mother's name but Mark refers to her being at the cross and at the tomb, Mark 15:40, 16:1. So we salute this dear Christian lady as well as the three Marys of our text. The position of these women in relation to the cross of the Saviour, indicates a difference from their later position. At the latter end all the disciples kept back, Luke 23:49. However, I believe that at the start of the terrible crucifixion of the Lord Jesus these women drew near to the Saviour for a time. John, the youngest of the apostles, was with the women, John 19:26-27. He was emboldened by the courage of the women and his mother. I wish to try and pay homage to these godly women who had the courage and the glorious honour of standing with their Lord at Calvary and sharing in His reproach. We may admire the divine grace that supporting these women, especially the blessed virgin Mary, under this heavy trial. We do not find the Saviour's mother wringing her hands, or tearing her hair, or rending her clothes, or making an outcry. What a wonderful composure she displays! They all shared the name 'Mary'. It means 'Rebellion.' It also has the meaning of 'Beauty'. Grace can turn rebellion into beauty! These three representatives of rebellious humanity just how God can save the sinner.