“After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 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
Women often get a bad rap in the Bible and in society as a whole. Although women have achieved near-equal rights in Western society (aside from pay equity and full opportunities comparable to men’s), they are still considered somehow lesser in some of our churches. A far-right reading insists that women remain silent in the church, while a more moderate—and I believe sensible—reading allows women to serve in the same or similar roles as men. (For a great read on the roles of women in ministry and the church, see this article from Dr. Todd Still, Dean of Truett Seminary.)
These three verses bring to the forefront Jesus’ value and inclusion of women. They were His unofficial disciples. In first-century Judaism, women were not selected as priests or even as students to be trained as such, but Jesus included them and invited them to become a full part of His movement. We read that Jesus traveled about, preaching about the kingdom; His disciples were with Him, as well as several women mentioned by name—Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and “many others.” They traveled with Jesus and the Twelve and were “supporting them out of their own means.”
And He allowed and invited women from all walks of society to follow Him. Mary Magdalene may have been a prostitute; seven demons were cast out of her. Then there is Joanna, whose husband managed the affairs of Herod’s household—indicating wealth and prominence in society. And then there is Susanna, mentioned only here with little additional information, but we know she faithfully followed Jesus and helped financially support His ministry and movement.
As Dean Still writes, “Taken together, I find the sweep of Scripture to affirm women and to allow for their unlimited involvement in kingdom matters. Moreover, I think that the trajectory of the New Testament witness is one that encourages men and women in Christ to share and serve in gospel proclamation and church administration.”
Why would Jesus allow women to follow but not to lead? I believe there is evidence in Scripture—and in Paul’s writings—that more than suggests we are all “one in Christ Jesus,” sharing the gifts, preaching the word, and advancing God’s Kingdom. It’s less about what gender does what and more about who is being reached by the message of salvation through Jesus.
Jesus welcomes all to His table and to participate in the spread of His gospel. Pouring out His Spirit on all people, as prophesied in Joel 2:28—and the effectual result of this in Acts 2—gives evidence that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in me (Romans 8:11).
“O Lord God, thank You for including all people in Your mission. Thank You for allowing us to grow and expand our reach to make disciples. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill us with Your power and love. Fill all women and men with Your Spirit that Your Word might be proclaimed from this day forward. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen