The Women that Inspire Devotion

Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means (Luke 8:1-3).

Among those who stepped away from the crowd of followers and closer to Christ were some special women. The Holy Spirit inspired Luke to record their names and present them as examples of devotion worthy of imitation by diligent disciples in all ages. While the twelve disciples are well known and had very powerful and visible public ministries, these ladies played a less visible but equally significant role in the ministry of Jesus and in the early days of the young Church. These were among the women who first shared the good news of Christ’s resurrection with the disciples… “Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles” (Luke 24:10). They were the first true evangelists! As we closely examine this Holy Spirit inspired account of their early days with Jesus, we learn much about the value our Lord holds for women and about the kind of commitment He seeks in true disciples. Earnest disciples will find character worthy of imitation here in lives of the women that inspire devotion.

These dear women were transformed by the touch of the Master. Mary was delivered from some serious demonic possession. Joanna was compelled to secretly escape the household of Herod to spend time with the Lord. These women had experienced a momentary encounter with Jesus that not only met a great need, but also transformed their lives. More than healed or delivered, they were truly born again and now they were vigorously pursuing the kingdom of God… “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Without this indispensable first step, the new birth, where we exchange the old selfish life for a new life in Christ, there is no genuine discipleship… “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). The women inspire us to live the born again life through faith in Christ.

These devoted women were following in the footsteps of the Master. They left their homes to travel with Jesus and the disciples. They wanted to be near Him and to be a part of His kingdom-building work. Joanna left the comfort and prestige of her position as wife of the High priest’s household manager to travel with Jesus and the disciple who had no earthly home of their own… “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” (Luke 9:58). Their willingness to leave their old lives and follow Jesus was evidence that they were truly born again disciples of Christ… “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). The women inspire us to let go of anyone or anything that might keep us from following Christ wherever He might lead us.

These dedicated women were committed to the cause of the Master.  They were not promised spiritual power like the twelve… “He called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases” (Luke 9:1). They did not draw the attention of the crowds, but they caught the attention of the Holy Spirit who inspired Peter to remember their devotion. He shared their story with Luke who recorded it here for us. These precious women blessed the Lord and His disciples as they “provided for them out of their means”. Their unselfish devotion prompts us to consider that everything we have, our means, has been graciously provided by the Lord who supplies dedicated disciples with everything we need to give Him glory… “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). The women inspire is to demonstrate our commitment to Christ by committing all we have to His cause.

As we grow up into Christ we are more devoted to Christ and His ministry as we imitate…

The Women that Inspire Devotion.