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.
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!
