Those Women

Have you ever thought about the women who followed Jesus and wondered exactly what it was that they did? Luke records, “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 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, NIV).

It is amazing enough —and could have been a bit shocking in that time— for a group of women to be traveling around with these men, but there is no hint of scandal. Because of the culture, I imagine it was difficult for the women in the crowds who followed and listened to Jesus to come to Him or the disciples with their questions, but there were these women —Mary, Joanna, Susanna, and others— whom they could approach to ask their questions. Because these women had been traveling with Jesus and hearing Him so often, I am sure they could answer many questions.

They certainly heard Him preaching in the synagogues and in the open fields. As they became more acquainted with Jesus and the disciples, maybe they dared to ask questions even for themselves —learning theology! What stories they must have been able to tell! They had seen lepers healed, demons cast out, the teachers of the law and the Pharisees rebuked, and bread and fish multiplied.

Even if they were not always with the group, they heard about the events. I wouldn’t be surprised if these women brought many women, and even some men, to Jesus for healing and salvation. These twelve men did not have any income while they were walking with Jesus from one end of the country to the other, so how did they pay for food, new sandals, and possibly even occasional lodging? Those women! They were financing the ministry out of their means! It is no wonder that these same women were at the cross. It was women who were the first to know that He was resurrected.

Those women! Women like you and me —if we so choose.

Ardis Dick Stenbakken