The women who funded Jesus’ ministry

Luke 8:1-3

8 Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, 2 as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources.

This short snippet gives us an insight into the practical workings of the group that hung out with Jesus during his public ministry.

First, it was not just “the twelve” who were with Jesus on his travels, there were others. Luke makes a point of highlighting the women who were part of that group. Women who had been impacted by Jesus’ ministry. We know these women followed Jesus right until the very end. Luke 23:49 says, “But all his acquaintances, including the women who had followed from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things (the crucifixion).” And again, in Luke 23:55, “The women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how his body was laid.” And reading on, Luke 24:1, “But in the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb…” If you track back who the “they” is, the “they” are the women of Luke 23:55. The faithful women. The narrative of Jesus includes this committed group of women. The ones identified in 8:1-3.

Second, these women are the ones who funded the operation. The men as they travel with Jesus had no way to work, having no money to put into the operation – rather it is the women who did that. These women had access to money, wealth, resources – and they put that into funding Jesus and the group around Jesus. Again, this is a sign of the significant role the women had in the ministry of Jesus. They in many ways made possible the practical aspects of his ministry.   

Third, at least Joanna, had powerful connections inside the court of Herod. Some of these women were highly influential who were attracted to Jesus and his ministry. They heard and saw in him something they wanted and they followed him.

PRAYER:

Lord God, we rejoice that you have called women into leadership and ministry roles in the church and among the followers of your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for the gift they are to your church. In Jesus’ name. Amen.