At the crucifixion of Jesus, several key individuals were present alongside Mary, the mother of Jesus:
- Mary, the mother of Jesus, stood near the cross.
- Her sister, who is identified as Mary, the wife of Clopas, was also there.
- Mary Magdalene was present as well.
- The apostle John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was nearby and took responsibility for caring for Mary after Jesus' death.
- Other women followers of Jesus who had accompanied Him from Galilee watched from a distance.
- Roman soldiers and the two criminals crucified alongside Jesus were present.
- A crowd including chief priests, scribes, elders, and many mourners was also there.
John 19:25 specifically mentions Mary, mother of Jesus, her sister Mary of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene standing by the cross. The apostle John was also present and took Mary into his care following Jesus' instruction (John 19:26–27). The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) also mention women such as Mary, mother of James and Joseph, and Salome as witnesses, and Luke notes many women watching from afar (Mark 15:40; Matthew 27:55–56; Luke 23:49). The presence of these women is considered historically credible by scholars because it is attested in multiple independent gospel accounts
. Thus, the group with Mary at the crucifixion included:
- Mary, mother of Jesus
- Mary, wife of Clopas (her sister)
- Mary Magdalene
- The apostle John
- Other women followers from Galilee
- Roman soldiers and officials
- The two criminals crucified with Jesus
- A crowd of mourners and Jewish leaders
This scene highlights the devotion of these women and John, who remained near Jesus during His crucifixion when most of the male disciples had fled
