At the crucifixion, Mary the mother of Jesus was not alone; the Gospels name several people who were there with her, especially a small group of women and the “disciple whom Jesus loved.”

Who Was With Mary Near the Cross?

According to the Gospel of John, standing by the cross of Jesus were:

  • Mary, the mother of Jesus
  • Her sister (often understood as a close female relative)
  • Mary the wife of Clopas
  • Mary Magdalene
  • The “disciple whom Jesus loved,” traditionally identified as the apostle John

John 19:25–27 is the key passage: it says that “near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene,” and then notes that Jesus spoke to his mother and to “the disciple whom he loved,” entrusting Mary into that disciple’s care.

Other Women Mentioned in the Gospels

The other Gospels emphasize that there were also more women present, some watching from a distance:

  • Mark names Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome as present.
  • Matthew lists Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee (often linked with Salome).
  • Luke notes “many women” who had followed Jesus from Galilee, standing at a distance.

Because the lists differ slightly, many Christian interpreters say that Mary was surrounded by a circle of devoted female followers, including Mary Magdalene and likely close relatives such as Mary of Clopas and possibly Salome.

Simple Answer

If you want the brief, most commonly quoted answer:

  • With Mary at the foot of the cross were Mary Magdalene , Mary the wife of Clopas , and the “disciple whom Jesus loved” (traditionally John) , with other women followers nearby watching from a distance.

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