A large number of people followed Jesus. Some were women whose hearts were filled with sorrow. They cried loudly because of him.
Everyone can see all my bones right through my skin. People stare at me. They laugh when I suffer.
“ ‘We played the flute for you. But you didn’t dance. We sang a funeral song. But you didn’t become sad.’
Not very far away, many women were watching. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to take care of his needs.
Not very far away, some women were watching. Mary Magdalene was among them. Mary, the mother of the younger James and of Joseph, was also there. So was Salome.
Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me. Weep for yourselves and for your children.
The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph. They saw the tomb and how Jesus’ body was placed in it.
So were some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses. One was Mary Magdalene. Seven demons had come out of her.
During this time, all the people were crying and sobbing loudly over the child. “Stop crying!” Jesus said. “She is not dead. She is sleeping.”
What I’m about to tell you is true. You will weep and mourn while the world is full of joy. You will be sad, but your sadness will turn into joy.