And certain women… which ministered unto Him of their substance. Luke 8:2,3
Embarrassing scandals of a few decades ago involved televangelists who became involved in immorality and in financial rackets. The uncovering of their business affairs showed that the prime initiative of their particular brand of religion was to make money. Over the years, there have been many thousands whose covetousness has proven the false nature of their claim to be followers of Jesus Christ. For them, it was just a meal ticket, a free ride, and a means of skimming the pockets of the gullible around them. It’s an old problem, though. Judas Iscariot used his role as a disciple for monetary gain. And the rich young ruler was discouraged from becoming a follower of Jesus because it would mean a big hit to his bottom line. Today, many young people seek the ‘ministry’ as a good professional choice, a way to make a good living. How different were the women in our text, who experienced the reality that being a follower of the Lord Jesus involved a cost.
Some of these women were widows with limited resources. But they shared them. Some were wives of men who could ill afford to spare them from the family farm or business. So we will have to give some credit to those husbands, too. Take the case of Joanna, whose husband Chuza was a steward in Herod’s palace. He must have supported his wife in her support of Jesus’ ministry. This was a commitment of time, money, and effort. Those women would provide food for Jesus and His disciples, and would help in many ways, including laundry services and arrangements for accommodations. It would not be easy for them. Other than Judas Iscariot, the disciples were all making significant commitments as well. Matthew, for example, had given up a well-paying government job. Peter and Andrew, along with James and John, had left their fishermen’s income that had at least paid the bills. During Jesus’ earthly ministry, those who faithfully followed Him willingly paid a substantial price for the privilege. It was worth it to them. And it is worth it to us today.
For most of us in this part of the world, being a Christian does not need to cost us much, other than what we contribute to support the Assembly, the preachers, the missionaries, and the needy among the Lord’s people. And most of us don’t contribute all that we could. But there are some folks around us who have willingly given up financial security and good jobs in order to serve their Lord. Some Christians can be regularly found spending time and money to be a help in Assembly and Gospel efforts. What do these people get out of all of this? The same thing that the followers in Jesus’ time received: the knowledge that they were ministering unto the Lord.
There is a reward someday for all that we do for our Lord. But today, there may well be a cost. Are we prepared to pay it? – Jim MacIntosh