We are not told why the women were watching from far away. Presumably, they did not want to be too close to where Jesus was because crucified since it was such a horrible way for someone to die and they did not want to see all the pain he experienced. It may also be that they were wary of being associated with Jesus. Whatever the reason, watching from a distance allowed them to see what was happening to their friend.
40 There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome.