Luke 8:3
“And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.”
Context:Luke 8:1-3 is part of a larger passage where Jesus is traveling from one town and village to another, preaching the good news of the kingdom of God. Many people are following Him, including the twelve disciples, and some women who have been healed of evil spirits and infirmities.
Women supporting Jesus:Luke mentions three specific women in this verse: Joanna, the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward; Susanna, and many others. These women are mentioned as those who ministered to Jesus of their substance, which indicates that they supported Jesus and His ministry financially and possibly in other ways.
Joanna:Joanna was the wife of Chuza, who was Herod’s steward. This means that Chuza was a high-ranking official in Herod’s court. Joanna, being his wife, likely came from a position of influence and wealth. She is mentioned in other Gospel accounts as well (Luke 24:10), and she was one of the women who witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.
Susanna:Not much is known about Susanna beyond her mention in this verse. She is named as one of the women who supported Jesus and His disciples out of her substance. Her inclusion suggests that there were many other women who actively contributed to Jesus’ ministry and its material needs.
Ministering to Jesus:The act of ministering to Jesus involved providing for His needs and the needs of His disciples. It likely included providing food, lodging, and financial support. These women, including Joanna and Susanna, were committed followers of Jesus and actively participated in His ministry by using their resources to support His work.
Lessons we can learn:a. The importance of women in Jesus’ ministry: This passage highlights the significant role women played in Jesus’ ministry. They were not merely passive observers but active participants and supporters.
b. The value of using our resources for God’s work: Joanna, Susanna, and others used their substance to support Jesus’ ministry. This teaches us the importance of using our resources, whether it be money, time, skills, or influence, to further the work of God’s kingdom.
c. The impact of faithful stewardship: Chuza, Joanna’s husband, held a position of influence and likely had access to significant resources. By supporting Jesus’ ministry, Joanna and Chuza demonstrated faithful stewardship of their wealth and position, using it for the advancement of God’s purposes.
In conclusion, Luke 8:3 highlights the important role of women, such as Joanna and Susanna, in supporting Jesus’ ministry. It teaches us the value of using our resources for God’s work and the impact of faithful stewardship.
