Luke 8:2-3 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.
There is a lot of debate about women in ministry. During the ministry of Jesus, there were women who accompanied Him and also supported the ministry financially. They were also interns along with the other disciples. We know that Mary from Magdala was cured from demon oppression. Joanna was the wife of Chuza, the steward of King Herod. Being identified with Jesus would have even caused issues for Chuza’s career, as Herod fiercely opposed Jesus, yet Joanna stood with Jesus. We are unsure what Joanna was cured from but it must be either physical or spiritual healing that transformed a wealthy stewardess into a sincere follower of Jesus. Susanna and Chuza financially supported the ministry. Another name mentioned is Susanna. There are no details about Susanna but she was certainly a succulent support.
Other than financial support, these women would have ministered to women and children who needed a touch from Jesus. In Biblical times, women were not comfortable to approach unknown men with their problems. While the twelve disciples were sorting the scores of men wanting to see Jesus, the women would have been involved in the women’s ministry, caring for the women, widows and children.
We can safely draw to a conclusion that women are neither inferior to men nor are their contributions mediocre. Men and women complement each other both in ministry as well as in marital relationships. One is not superior to the other. We just play different roles to build the kingdom of God.
Qualifications of God’s Golden Girls:
1. Silent: These girls were named along with the disciples as they were silent supporters of the ministry. We need not be loud and vocal to be noticed. “The smarter you get, the less you speak”. These women contributed equally but silently to the ministry of Jesus. Not our arguments but our silent fasting and prayers that break yokes, addictions and shackles of sin. Silence penetrates where power fails.
2. Sincere: These girls were sincere in serving even after the death of Jesus. Mary, Joanna and the other female followers of Jesus were at the tomb after the crucifixion. They took spices to anoint the body of Jesus. Sincerity does not look for recognition, it looks for opportunities to serve.
- Spread: The girls silently yet sincerely spread the aroma of Christ. After the crucifixion, while the disciples were skittishly hiding behind closed doors in fear, these girls who were set free from the captivity of sin and sickness spread the aroma of Christ. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles (Luke 24:10). Infuse the fragrance of Christ in your social, secular and spiritual circles. Spread the aroma of Christ with or without words.
The silent, sincere, smiling servers will be on the list of God’s Golden Girls.
2 Corinthians 2:14 But thanks be to God…uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, make me a silent, sincere follower who spreads your aroma to the secular world. Amen.
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