Afterward, he was traveling from one town and village to another, preaching and telling the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him,2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary, called Magdalene (seven demons had come out of her); 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward; Susanna; and many others who were supporting them from their possessions.
Luke 8:1-3
Joanna, The Sponsor
Today we continue our journey looking at the life of Joanna as recorded in Luke 8:1-3 and Luke 24:9-10.Joanna's name is mentioned twice in the Library of Scripture, both times in Luke's gospel. There are five things that we know about Joanna from the testimony of Scripture:
- Joanna was healed of evil spirits or sickness by Jesus (Luke 8:2)
- Joanna helped fund Jesus' ministry (Luke 8:3)
- Joanna assisted in the burial of Jesus (Luke 23:55-56)
- Joanna witnessed Jesus' empty tomb (Luke 24:1-5)
- Joanna was one of the first ever to proclaim Jesus' resurrection from the dead. (Luke 24:9-10)
Today let's dig a little deeper into the reality that Joanna helped fund Jesus' ministry (Luke 8:3). For three years, Jesus and his disciples traveled, proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom of God. Jesus ceased to be a carpenter (more likely a tradesman or stone mason), Peter and Andrew, and James and John ceased to be fishermen (Matthew 4:18-21). Their only job was to proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom. Yet, have you ever wondered how they afforded to live? How did they buy food? You know that one of the twelve would have needed replacement sandals or a new robe after three years of walking from town to town in the arid climate.So, how were their needs met? Quick answer: Joanna and these women.As we discussed yesterday, each woman had a personal reason to support Jesus and his ministry out of the overflow of their own experiences. Clearly, this support was not only spiritual or emotional, but it was financial. The word "possessions" used in verse 3 is the Greek word hyparcho (ὑπαρχόντων), meaning all that belongs to someone, someone's property, possessions, and means. All that these women had was at Jesus's disposal, which made his traveling ministry possible.Where did these women come up with the funds to financially support Jesus? We can only speculate, but a few viable options include: They are active in the industry, they are widowed, or they come from affluent families. Regardless, these women leveraged all that they could for the ministry of Jesus Christ. Joanna and these women were not just recipients of the grace of God, but they were also ministry partners. In one of the hallways at the Children's Hospital of Alabama, the walls are lined with photos and stories of children who were born premature or who battled cancer and who are now doing a variety of things, from playing professional football, teaching at an elementary school, or practicing law. One of the photos, in particular, is specifically poignant. It tells the story of a young child who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and was treated at this hospital. The photo next to it is a picture of the same girl, who is now a cancer doctor at the same hospital. She was once a recipient of care, and now she is the one providing that care to sick children. In the same way, we are recipients of the grace of God, which then compels us to be partners in the mission of God. Whether it is financial, spiritual, or emotional, we are called to partner in the mission of God. For Joanna, is was her financial means, for you it could be any combination of your gifts, passion, and story.Regardless, may we get off the bench and participate in the purposes of God.
