Luke 8:1-3

Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources.

Did you know Jesus was supported by a group of women? And not just Jesus, but the twelve?

We’ve seen earlier that Jesus had many, many disciples and that he set twelve apart as apostles, those specifically sent with his message.

But now we learn that he is accompanied not only by the twelve, or by some other disciples in general, but also by a number of women, women who not only followed him but also supported Jesus and the rest of his company, as Luke says, “out of their resources.”

So…did you know that? That Jesus relied upon the support of these women? That they were independent and capable and so could supply him out of their resources?

I ask that because this is an important element of the Christian story that has often been overlooked. For centuries only men were considered eligible to be leaders in the church, based on the fact that the twelve were all men. Even now a majority of the Christians in the world are part of traditions where only one half of the population can serve as a leader.

Yet here, from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, we see women playing a critical role in the ministry of Jesus. Over the years, some – usually men – have argued that they played a supportive role, not a leadership role, reinforcing the idea of women as supportive and men as leaders. But in the ancient world the ability to support others from one’s resources was a leadership role and demonstrated competence, independence, and resourcefulness.

Did you know that? Either way, you do now…and hopefully more and more of us will know that, take it to heart, and give thanks for the way God has worked – and still continues to work – through strong and independent women.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the women you have used through the centuries to support and lead the ministry of the church and lend your strength, wisdom, and courage to those who do so today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.