9: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
In another moment along the journey to Calvary, Jesus encounters a group of women in distress, and while we can't make out their words, the comfort he offers to them is clear; but all to soon, he and the heavy cross are moved on again.
“A great number of people followed him; among them were women beating their breasts and wailing. Jesus turned saying, 'Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but for yourselves and for your children.'”
Luke 23:27-28
Even in his distress, physical pain and humiliation, Jesus is looking out for others; he knows that his agony is nearly at an end, but that is not so for his followers. The women can weep for him and show their distress as they are less likely to be arrested than his male disciples.
Commentary by Revd Catherine Shelley