And certain women which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto Him of their substance. Luke 8:2,3
Of these women we know the most about Mary Magdalene, because of her encounter with Jesus in the garden after His resurrection. The others are rather obscure as far as any mention in Scripture goes, although we do read that Joanna was with those who first encountered Jesus after His resurrection. Joanna is an interesting character for several reasons.
Tradition tells us that Jesus healed Joanna’s son in Cana shortly after His attendance at the wedding there. Whether it was her son or herself, Joanna was deeply grateful for what Jesus had done. She became one of his most devoted and dedicated followers. When we consider what Jesus has done for us, we ought to be devoted and dedicated, too.
Joanna’s husband had a very responsible, and no doubt well-paid, job in Herod’s administration. Joanna could well afford the luxuries of life, the best of entertainment, and a high place in society. Instead, she chose to spend her time among those who followed Jesus. She chose to spend her money in supporting His work and in covering the expenses of feeding and lodging Jesus and His disciples. Most of us in North America have reasonably well-paid jobs and situations. How do we spend our time and money? How much time and money are dedicated to the Lord’s work, to His Assembly, His people, and the furtherance of the Gospel?
Joanna kept some interesting company! We don’t know anything about Susanna, but she had also been healed by Jesus, as had Mary Magdalene. And there were others who could say the same. Joanna spent her time in the company of these ladies, and their conversations surely focused on Jesus and His miraculous healings. They remained close to Jesus and His disciples, they heard every public message He delivered, and they watched His miracles and other activities. You and I should be like these women, spending as much time as possible with like-minded believers, discussing the things of the Lord, and sharing our thankfulness for His saving grace.
There was only so much Joanna and her companions could do. But they did it. We may find ourselves limited in many ways, too. But do we serve the Lord Jesus with all that we can? -Jim MacIntosh