Page 14 - January 2025 - Truth & Tidings

n the work of God, some men are spirits and infirmities” (v2). In a soci-
called to play a prominent role. Peter ety where women were demeaned and
Iwas given the “keys of the kingdom” often overlooked, the Lord Jesus had
and saw 3,000 souls saved at Pentecost. sought them out individually and healed
John, Luke and Matthew wrote books of them of various diseases. Their lives
the New Testament. Paul saw assemblies had been radically changed not only by
planted all across Asia Minor and Europe. the power of Christ but by His compas-
Their names are rightly held in high es- sion. They never forgot that and became
teem. However, behind the public face of devoted followers of the Lord Jesus.
God’s work, God has an army of devoted Second, they were not simply passive
loyal servants who support, finance and donors to the work. They actively fol-
enable the work of God to flourish. Many lowed the Lord. Luke tells us that, like the
are women; often, they are widows. 12 disciples, they also were “with him”
Joanna, Susanna and other unnamed (v1). Their interest in the Lord was not
women, first mentioned in Luke 8, provid- superficial, but rather they were deeply
ed the critical support needed to finance concerned to hear His words and be with
the itinerant ministry of the Lord Jesus. Him. When the Lord appeared to Joanna
The Lord had embarked on a traveling and the others after His resurrection and
ministry with His 12 disciples in which reminded them that He had foretold them
they “went on through cities and villages, that He would be crucified, be buried and
proclaiming and bringing the good news rise again on the third day, then “they
of the kingdom of God” (Luk 8:1). Luke remembered his words” (Luk 24:8). Far
1
records that certain women “provided from simply “mailing in the check,” they
for them out of their means” (vv2-3). The had followed Him wholeheartedly, seek-
ministry of the Lord was made possible ing out His teaching.
because of the financial support of these Third, their giving to support the work
devoted women. of Christ was costly. Their support was
Joanna and Susanna demonstrate the “out of their means”; it came from their
true spirit of giving. Their financial sup- personal funds. In addition, they were
port flowed out of their devotion to the from Galilee but the itinerary was in
Lord and their appreciation for what He Judea, necessitating them to leave home
had done for them. Luke describes them temporarily. It is not without significance
as “women who had been healed of evil that Joanna is identified as “the wife of
Chuza, Herod’s household manager” (Luk
1 Bible quotations in this article are from the 8:3). Herod Antipas beheaded John the
ESV. Baptist and sought to kill the Lord Jesus

14 TRUTH kTidings January 2025