Bible Verse: Luke 8: 1 & 2
“After this Jesus travelled about from one town and village to another. Proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Johanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household, Susanna, and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.”
This is an interesting follow up to the story of the woman who anointed Jesus. It seems as if there were a number of other women who joined themselves to Jesus’ group of disciples and helped support Jesus and his disciples as they preached the Gospel.
Some of these women were wealthy and married; these women probably came and went as it was convenient. But they all supported Jesus because they believed in him.
1. Notice what some of them had experienced. Some were ill, demon-possessed and diseased. They experienced His healing touch and would not let him go.
2. Some were in positions of great influence. They nevertheless were not put off from following Jesus but followed him and used their influence for the furtherance of the Gospel.
3. These women represent all the women of any age who believed in him when no one else did.
There were women at the Crucifixion, there were women at His burial and women at His resurrection.
Why do the Gospels note this? Precisely because women had very little influence in society and their word could not be accepted even in a court of law. But Jesus exalts those who are despised, rejected and marginalized by making them witnesses to the truth of his resurrection. And who knows? Maybe the woman who anointed him in Simon’s home was among them.
This is a reminder to all of us – men and women – that the Saviour is FOR us, not against us! Our birth circumstances, childhood experiences, adult mistakes and sins do not put us out of His reach. It was precisely for people like us that He came into the world.
No one ever needs to feel that there is no room at the Cross for them. The Saviour welcomes all. All may come to Him. Even you. You may be hated and despised by all the people you know, but with Jesus you will experience acceptance, love and forgiveness.
Will you come to Him, believe on Him and be transformed today?
Prayer:- Thank you Lord, for the many people who help the Word of the Gospel to reach others. We praise you for accepting as your own people, some who have been marginalized and ignored. We praise your Great Grace. Amen.