November 25 2024

Monday November 25

Providing for Jesus

Luke 8:1-3

1 Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, 2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities--Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, 3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.

Luke 8:1-3 begins with Luke giving a short summary of the ministry of Christ. “Now it came to pass, afterward”. He seems to refer back to what had already taken place in chapters 6 and 7 with Jesus and His disciples leaving Capernaum and going to Nain and raising the dead man and upon returning to Capernaum He has the dinner with Simon the Pharisee where the sinner woman of the street washed His feet. We need to remember that the Gospel accounts do not record everything Christ did and said. They selected certain events to follow a theme or emphasize a particular truth about Christ. John ended his Gospel account with these words, "There are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written" (John 21:25).

In these three verses of Luke is a summary of some of Christ's ministry which is not reported in detail in Luke. Again, it appears that Jesus left Capernaum and, “that He went through every city and village”. (v. 1). This speaks of Christ's Galilean ministry. Christ covered a lot of territory in His ministry. Multitudes had opportunity to hear Christ, but most of the people did not receive His ministry well.

Yesterday we talked about the message of His ministry. He preached “the glad tidings of the kingdom of God.” Then Luke tells us of the supporters of His ministry. Both men and women aided Christ in His ministry. He needed supporters as He traveled over the countryside. They could help in the common chores of providing meals, taking care of clothes, and other common duties that would be a distraction and hindrance to Christ's ministry if He had to do them Himself. Two groups of supporters are noted.

First, “the twelve disciples were with Him”. When Christ chose the twelve, it is specifically stated that one reason He chose them is "that they should be with him" (Mark 3:14). While they could handle some of the common chores of traveling, they would also give Him spiritual fellowship. And of course, they were listening and learning about the “Kingdom of God” and how they would be the ones to continue to share this message of “glad tidings” to the world after Jesus had gone back to heaven.

Secondly, we are told about, "Certain woman... who provided for Him from their substance" (Luke 8:2, 3). Besides the twelve disciples, there were women who also supported Christ. Three women are listed by name. Of these three, we know Mary Magdalene best. She seems to have come from Magdala, a village on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. That village was noted for its dye works, woolen goods, and trade in the pigeons and doves needed for the sacrificial offerings as required under the Mosaic Law. Magdala, moreover, was also known for its moral corruption. Mary grew up in that place and fell prey to evil spirits. Her case was hopeless, until Jesus came and set her free. She became the Lord's devoted follower.

All we know of Joanna is that she was the wife of Chuza, a court official. Some scholars think that he was the man whose son Jesus had healed with a word at Cana (John 4:46-54). In any case, Chuza was connected with Herod Antipas. Some people have suggested that it was Joanna who quickened Herod's interest in Jesus.

As for Susanna, all we know about her is her name. It means "lily." Jesus said that a lily is arrayed in splendor far beyond the glorious raiments that Solomon wore. Luke says that there were "many others" in addition to these three women. In the crowning day, when the books are opened and the names are read aloud, these women will receive their reward, as will all of those who have followed in their path.

Luke informs us that they, “had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities" (Luke 8:2). All three of these women had been helped by the wonder working power of Christ. Mary Magdalene had seven demons cast out of her. She was a really bad case, but Jesus removed the demons, and out of gratitude she became a faithful follower and helper of Christ. Joanna and Susanna were also helped by the healing power of Christ. Their infirmities are not specified but their healing prompted their serving of Christ.

Today, the Lord still needs His redeemed people to both share His message and give our support so that we can go into “every city and village” of the world. Are you sharing and giving?

God bless!