Joanna, faithful supporter and witness
(Read Luke 8:1–3; Luke 24:1-11, 22-24)
Reflection on the passage:
I’ve noticed that church communities tend to have a core group of faithful women that are part of the backbone of the congregation. Some of them retired and their children grown, they give of their time to support the ministries of the church. Often working in the background, they organize and serve at church events, cook meals for gatherings, visit the sick and lonely, set up the communion elements before the Sunday service, serve on committees, and count the church offering. Joanna, along with the many other women who supported Jesus and His disciples, gave of her resources and time in a similar way.
We know very little about Joanna specifically, only that her husband Chuza managed Herod’s estates. From the general descriptions of these women in Luke we learn that Joanna was healed by Jesus, whether physical or spiritual (Luke 8:2). Therefore, it must have been out of a grateful heart that she supported Jesus’ ministry from her own financial resources (Luke 8:3). Her part in providing meals and handling other aspects of daily life during their travels from town to town helped free up Jesus and the disciples for their mission to share the good news of the Kingdom. Although it wouldn’t have been uncommon for women to help religious leaders, Jesus was unique in the way He included women in the fellowship and taught them as well as the men.
Not only was Joanna a loving supporter of Jesus, but she was a witness. During the crucifixion of their beloved Lord whom they had served, these women didn’t flee but watched from a distance (Luke 23:49). Even in their sorrow, Joanna and the others didn’t stop serving. Joanna was one of the women, along with Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, who rose very early Sunday morning to bring spices to Jesus’ tomb to complete his burial. These were women who did what needed to be done, even if it was difficult. Because of this, not only did Joanna witness Jesus’ death but she and the other women were the first witnesses of the most amazing event ever – the resurrection of Jesus! And they were the first to share this news with the disciples, who didn’t at first believe it.
Focus verses and questions for prayerful reflection:
“…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. (Luke 8:2-3)
- What has Jesus done for you that leads you to joy in serving him?
- In what ways do you use your own resources and gifts to support the work of Christ? Is there anything God might want to say to you about it? Any direction you are seeking? Take some time in prayer.
For further reading:
Read about Lydia, another woman who was a supporter of the early church: Acts 16:11-15
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