Disciples behind the Scenes

Read Mark 15.

While the selected disciples all fled and forsook Jesus, the Bible tells of others who filled the void.

1. Simon of Cyrene. (v.21)
The location of Cyrene was on the north coast of Africa.  Today, it is part of Libya.  The man had journeyed some distance in order to arrive in time for the Passover.  Simon's involvement appears to be a random act by the Roman soldiers.  The fact that Simon's sons are mentioned may indicate that this family were Jewish believers and known to the disciples.

2. The Centurion. (v.39)
This Roman officer watched Jesus die and experienced the surrounding events of the earthquake, darkness, etc.  How much he knew and personally believed by his statement here is unknown.  But the truth of what he said stands.  And, he stated it loud enough for others to hear it.  As Jesus told Peter in Matthew 16:17, "For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven."

3. Mary Magdalene. (v.40 and 16:9)
Magdala was in the northern province of Galilee.  Mary had been possessed by seven demons.  Then, she met Jesus.  As part of the crowd, she followed Him to Jerusalem for the feast days.  She ministered to Him in His life and now she would be there for His death and resurrection.

5. Mary the mother of James the younger and Joses. (v.40 and 16:1)
Often called "the other Mary,"  She, and apparently her sons too, followed and served the material needs of the disciples.

6. Salome. (v.40 and 16:1)
She was the mother of James and John and had followed Jesus for sometime.  She is famous for her request in Matthew 20 that her sons have the chief seats next to Jesus in the coming kingdom.  Salome, also, came willing to serve in the burial process of Jesus.

7. Many other women. (v.40)
This is a group for the most part unnamed, believing women who faithfully followed and served our Lord.  In Luke 8:1-3, some are identified as those who had been healed.  Joanna was the wife of Herod's household manager.  And, "many others, who provided for them out of their means."  As the disciples traveled and ministered, food and financial support came from these godly ladies.

8. Joseph of Arimathea. (vv.43-46)
This could not have been a popular move on his part.  He was "a respected member of the council."  His daring involvement indicated that not all on the Sanhedrin agreed with the mistreatment of Jesus.  Joseph had the positional influence in order to ask for Jesus' body.  He also possessed wealth to be able to have such a tomb.  In an act of faith and generosity, he gave it to Jesus.  Mark points out that it was Joseph who purchased the linen shroud for the burial.

These and many other quiet workers behind the scenes have always been the backbone of any ministry.  While the preacher and the persons "up front" receive the notoriety, there is a huge requirement of others to support with their time and resources.  This does not go unnoticed by our heavenly Father who will reward each one according to their service for Him.  Jesus taught that "many who are first will be last, and the last first." (Matthew 19:30)