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(13:31). While it is uncertain, it appears that no work done for His benefit will
from the description of Joanna that Chuza go unrecognized. We don’t know much
perhaps did not share in her faith in the about these women. Nothing is known
Lord. If so, Joanna’s support for the Lord’s of Susanna beyond that she supported
ministry was a personal exercise. Cer- the Lord’s ministry financially. Many of
tainly, it would not have been appreciated the women are unnamed and are simply
in the social circles in which she moved. described as “women who followed him
There is something wonderfully ironic in from Galilee.” Yet, their contributions
that while Herod sought to kill Jesus, the were known and appreciated by Christ.
funds he paid to his household manager, So too, the Lord appreciates and will
Chuza, were being used by Chuza’s wife recognize in a future day every woman
to fund the ministry of the Lord! who contributes to the work of the Lord.
Fourth, their devotion was not based on The Lord’s appreciation of these women
the results of the ministry. Their support is demonstrated in that they were the first
was not contingent on the popularity of ones to whom He appeared following His
the Lord’s message or the crowds who resurrection. Joanna, along with Mary
followed Him. Described as “the women Magdalene and the other women, was
who had followed him from Galilee” the first to come to the garden tomb on
(23:49,55), Joanna and the other women resurrection morning (24:10). They were
followed the Lord Jesus to the cross. Luke the first to go and tell the other disciples
says they stood “at a distance watching that Christ had risen. In a culture in which
these things” (v49). They followed Nico- a woman’s testimony was not accepted
demus and Joseph to the tomb, observing in court, the Lord Jesus so valued these
where the Lord Jesus was buried (v55). women that He entrusted to them His first
They returned to prepare spices and oint- appearance after His resurrection.
ments to anoint the body of the Lord Jesus While women don’t have a public role
after the Sabbath (v56). Their financial in God’s assemblies, the spread of the
support in the past was eclipsed by their gospel is made possible in large measure
devotion to the person of the Lord Jesus by the financial support contributed by
in His death. women. The Lord will never overlook
It is important to notice that the Lord any gift given to Him. However, it is
Jesus appreciated the contributions they often through the generosity of widows,
made toward financing His ministry. “unknown” women, and very unassuming
In spite of His greatness as Creator and believers that the Lord finances His
owner of the “cattle on a thousand hills,” great evangelistic work. Paul spoke of
the Lord was humbly willing to accept “an eternal weight of glory beyond all
their assistance. Great men of earth would comparison” (2Co 4:17) for those who
consider it unworthy to accept assistance sacrifice for the work of the Lord. In that
from such lowly women, but not the Lord day, many widows and humble women
Jesus. He values every effort made for who devotedly supported the work of
His benefit. the Lord behind the scenes will appear
The Lord recognized the support of in splendor and abundant glory when
these women. By identifying them in the Lord shines the light upon their
Scripture, the Lord is demonstrating contributions for Him.

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