In yesterday’s message, end of Luke 7, we read about Jesus’ visit for dinner to the house of Simon the Pharisee. There were two main characters in the story apart from the Lord, an unnamed woman and Simon. The woman humbled herself greatly before the Lord and all in the house. Simon was judgemental in his heart towards her and the Lord. Jesus concluded the encounter with a short parable and a very pointed observation. V47 “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven – for she loved much. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little”.
Luke 8, “After this, Jesus travelled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means”.
In these verses we get a rare look at Jesus ministry team, which included the Twelve Apostles, but also interestingly some named women. These people had set aside their own lives to travel around with the Lord (walking long distances on poor or no roads in intense heat). Some of them had been healed and some delivered, so no doubt they felt great gratitude to the Lord and they supported the ministry out of their means. The word names some of them (wherever this Gospel is preached, they will be known), so their contributions were noted before God.
Luke records that Jesus ministered to women and they supported Him financially and helped as the group moved from place to place.
At the crucifixion, Mark 15:41, “ In Galilee these woman had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other woman who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there”.
The Gospels do record and acknowledge the role played by these women in Jesus early ministry. The Lord Himself accepted and received their support and so the church today should be grateful for their contributions.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace”.