Scripture: Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means. Luke 8:1-3 ESV
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Observation: Recapping Yesterday’s Daily Focus, Luke tells us the beautiful story of love, forgiveness, gratitude, and peace revealed in a woman of ill-repute interloping a dinner party when she wipes Jesus’ feet with her tears, kisses them, and anoints them with an ointment. The guests (largely Pharisees) disapprove and question Jesus’ judgment and whether he is truly a prophet. So Jesus tells a parable to counter their judgmental attitudes and emphasizes that forgiveness belongs to those who humble their hearts, repent, and trust in his forgiveness. As expected, the dinner guests indignantly mutter to each about who Jesus thinks he is (i.e., having the authority to forgive sins). Unconcerned, Jesus speaks to the woman, pronounces her faith has saved her, and then extends his shalom blessing: “Go in peace.”
Today’s reading continues Luke’s narrative, where he notes that Jesus continued his itinerate Galilean ministry with the Twelve proclaiming his good news (Gospel) throughout the region. But Luke uniquely adds a detail that reminds us that even though the four Gospels focus on Jesus and his disciples, they relied on the practical and financial support of women who traveled with them to support Jesus’ ministry. And, like his disciples, they represented a diverse cross-section of Israel’s society. Indeed, some had suffered diseases and evil spirits until they received their Lord’s healing touch. Specifically, Luke notes Jesus delivered Mary Magdalene from seven demons. And Luke cites one other by name, Joanna, whose husband, Chuza, held a prominent position of authority in Herod’s court.
Takeaway: So what is Luke trying to tell us? First, women played a critical role in Jesus’ ministry: they cared for the men’s domestic needs and funded them. While we might dismiss the importance of their role in our modern age, Jesus welcomed their participation in his ministry because he held women in high esteem, unlike most of his contemporaries. But these extraordinary women far exceeded their supporting role. Some would take the lead as they loyally stood by Jesus at his crucifixion and sought his care beyond the grave. Indeed, Mary Magdalene and Joanna would draw near Christ as he hung from his cross (Luke 24:10) when all but John of the disciples ran for their lives. And Mary Magdelene would be the first to see the resurrected Jesus and go and tell the good news to the Eleven (John 20:1-18).
Our takeaway? Women would continue to play an essential role in the growth of the church, whether Mary, the mother of Jesus (Acts 1:12-26), Tabatha (Acts 9:36-43), Mary (the mother of John Mark) and Rhoda (Acts 12:6-19), Lydia (Acts 16:11-40), Damaris (Acts 17:16-34), Priscilla (Romans 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Timothy 4:19), Phoebe (Romans 16:1), Claudia (2 Timothy 4:21), Euodia and Syntyche (Philippians 4:2) or the mother of Rufus (Romans 16:13)—to name a few. And they still do, today. So just as Jesus and Paul upheld women as of utmost importance to the growth and stability of the body of Christ, so should we men. No matter our theological position regarding women in church leadership, women and men of all walks of life must be held in high esteem as image-bearers of Christ who are one with him, for there is no hierarchy between male and female, Jew or Gentile, slave or free (Galatians 3:28).
Prayer: Father God, we thank you for your Son who upheld the dignity of all people from all walks of life who love him and trust and obey him. We confess, however, that while we are all about equality on the receiving end, we do not consistently demonstrate the same attitude toward others. So would you please help us to uphold in high esteem all the family of God, regardless of gender, race, or social status, as image-bearers of your Son? Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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