Day 73 – The Humble Ministry of the Holy Women
Study Luke 8:1-3
“and many others who provided for Him from their substance.” Luke 8:3b
As Jesus set out on His second tour through the towns and villages of Galilee, He continued preaching the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. This time, however, He was not alone with the twelve apostles. Walking alongside Him were several women who had experienced His miraculous, healing power firsthand, including Mary called Magdalene, Joanna the wife of Herod’s high-ranking steward, Susanna, and many others.
Luke’s explicit inclusion of these women reveals the revolutionary culture of Christ’s ministry. In a world where religious leaders often looked down upon women and refused to teach them, Jesus welcomed them into His inner circle as valued disciples and witnesses.
The diversity within this group was remarkable. Mary Magdalene, who had been set free from seven demons, walked in fellowship with Joanna, a woman of elite royal standing. Though their backgrounds could not have been more different, their shared transformation by the grace of Jesus bound them together in a unified purpose. In fact, these faithful women would later become the very first witnesses of His resurrection.
Scripture notes that these women supported Jesus’ mission out of their own private means. Their service, described with the same root word used for deaconship in the early church, underscores a profound truth about the Savior: Jesus willingly made Himself dependent upon the generosity of others.
Though He possessed all divine authority and could have created endless wealth or food out of nothing, Christ chose the path of absolute humility. He was humble enough to receive, reminding us that true godliness is not only found in our readiness to give, but in our willingness to lay down our pride and humbly receive the care and service of others.
Pray with me: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your gentle humility and for the way You break down every human barrier to draw us close. Deliver me from self-sufficiency and pride. Give me a grateful heart that is willing to serve You faithfully and humble enough to receive Your grace and the love of others. Amen. ©
Love, Iriza
