Why was Mary at the foot of the cross of Jesus, but Joseph her husband was not?

In Christian tradition, Mary, the mother of Jesus, is often depicted at the foot of the cross during the crucifixion, while Joseph, her husband, is not mentioned in the narratives of the crucifixion in the New Testament. There are several possible reasons why Joseph is not mentioned at the crucifixion:

Death or Absence: It's possible that Joseph had died by the time of Jesus' crucifixion, or he may have been absent for other reasons. The New Testament provides little information about Joseph's later life, and he is not mentioned in the Gospels during Jesus' adult ministry.

Focus on Mary: The presence of Mary at the foot of the cross may symbolize her unique role as the mother of Jesus and her close connection to his suffering. The Gospel of John specifically mentions Mary's presence at the crucifixion (John 19:25-27), emphasizing her significance in Jesus' life and mission.

Theological Emphasis: The absence of Joseph from the crucifixion narratives may reflect the Gospel writers' theological emphasis on Jesus' identity and mission rather than on his family members. The focus is primarily on Jesus' sacrifice and the fulfilment of prophetic promises.

Symbolic Representation: Some interpretations suggest that Mary's presence at the foot of the cross symbolizes the fulfilment of Simeon's prophecy in Luke 2:34-35, where he predicts that a sword will pierce Mary's soul. Mary's presence underscores her role in Jesus' redemptive work and her participation in his suffering.

Literary Tradition: The Gospel writers may have chosen to highlight certain individuals or aspects of the crucifixion narrative for theological or narrative reasons. Joseph's absence from the scene may be a deliberate narrative choice rather than an indication of historical fact.

Overall, while the absence of Joseph from the crucifixion narratives may seem notable, it is consistent with the Gospel writers' focus on Jesus' mission and the theological themes they aim to convey. Mary's presence at the foot of the cross serves to highlight her role in Jesus' life and her participation in his suffering and redemption.