After this, Jesus traveled 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. Luke 8:1-3
“Unique to Luke, the Evangelist notes the work of three women of faith. As Jesus ministers, He draws followers who come form a wide variety of backgrounds. Mary Magdalene serves after having seven demons exorcised by Jesus. Joanna, as the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, gives evidence that Jesus’ message has reached even into the palace. When these and other women [like Susanna] come to faith, they immediately give of their resources to enable Jesus’ ministry to continue. This note is important, since the passage makes clear that those contributing to Jesus’ ministry span both gender diversity and the social scale. The pattern of grace received and ministry pursued emerges in the exemplary response of these women. Their ministry comes at two levels: personal involvement and the contribution of resources. Both levels of involvement are important to effective ministry.”
Darrell L. Bock in Luke (NIVAC; Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996) 220. After nearly a month on the road, I am here for about ten days to prepare for upcoming teaching and to serve a few clients from my home office. I took a break yesterday and walked through our neighborhood. I love the colors of the trees at this time of year against the blue sky (as pictured above).
Joanna marks number six of ten characters highlighted in a recent talk Jenni and I gave. She emerges as an underwriter who deploys both herself and resources from the beginning to the end of the ministry of Jesus. As you may recall, she also appears in the resurrection account as one of the women who headed to the garden tomb (Luke 24:1-12). This is one fearless influential lady!
To associate with Jesus from start to finish as a person of status shows zeal worthy of our admiration and imitation. Frankly, she reminds me of my sister-in-law, Joanna, who is the wife of Dr. David Hoag, president of Warner University. David is a strong man of God, and while Joanna may be small in stature, she’s a fearless woman of faith.
Are you Joanna? Has God put your husband in a key role and perhaps, at least in part, your fervent faith has both helped him become what He is. But you don’t sit comfortably there. You deploy yourself and the resources in your care with boldness to advance the cause of Jesus Christ. Whatever you do, don’t let difficult circumstances sway you. Live and give generously regardless of what others are doing.
Some may wonder why these characters are mentioned just once or perhaps twice in the unfolding biblical narrative. I think they are there to remind us that the good news of Jesus goes forth through the fearless faith and personal support of real people. I love that her example inspires women everywhere to see themselves in God’s story.