Sandy’s Devotional:
After this, Jesus travelled 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
Jesus’ most faithful followers were also some of the most unlikely and transcended social norms and stigmas. It was revolutionary to allow women to be disciples. There were women from different social classes and life situations. Mary Magdalene had been a tormented woman, most likely socially rejected. She didn’t let her past define her – rather lived in the victory that Jesus gave her. Joanna was part of the elite as her husband managed Herod’s household and unashamedly used her resources to fund the Lord, regardless of her social status. All these women together listened to the Word of the Son of God and created a new community of men and women together. Like the men, their lives had been transformed by the healing power of Jesus’ love. It was women who stood by Jesus when he was crucified, when he was buried, who saw the empty tomb, and the resurrected Lord, who saw him after he rose and were there waiting for the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:14). These women were accepted, changed and devoted.
