Women

Women

My Question for God

What can I learn about the women who served Jesus in his day?

A Moment with God

Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.

Luke 8:1-3

In first-century Jewish culture, women were treated as second-class citizens. They were not permitted an education or to take part in public worship. In fact, the Pharisees went out of their way to avoid any contact with women outside their own families. The Bible is careful to emphasize that Jesus ministered to women in all levels of society, as seen from the list of women in the book of Luke. The mention of Joanna as the wife of King Herod’s business manager reminds us that Jesus’ influence reached far and wide, high and low. This Bible passage also shows the women’s practical contribution in supporting Jesus and the disciples. When the other disciples deserted Jesus, the women continued to honor him, remain with him, and minister to him. Jesus valued women in every way and opened the doors to their education, fellowship, and service. It seems Jesus had special insight into women’s hearts and their fierce loyalty and ability to serve and worship God in unique and practical ways. When you wonder whether being a woman ever excludes you from playing a major role in God’s plan, remember these women, and think again!

Divine Promise

In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants—men and women alike.

Joel 2:29