HELPING TO SUPPORT THEM / LUKE 8:3

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 8:3

And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

Radical Gratitude: What Luke 8:3 Teaches Us About Supporting the Kingdom

When we think about the earthly ministry of Jesus, we often picture the twelve disciples walking alongside Him, listening to His parables, and learning to fish for men. But if we look closely at the Gospel narratives, an incredible group of people played a quiet yet absolutely vital role in keeping that ministry moving forward.

In Luke 8:1-3, the physician Luke pulls back the curtain to show us who was funding and sustaining this traveling band of disciples. He names Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, and then adds a phrase that should challenge every believer today: they, along with many others, “were helping to support them out of their own means”.

Driven by Radical Gratitude

These were not casual onlookers or wealthy patrons looking for social status. The scripture notes that these women had received profound healing and special care from Jesus. They had been cured of evil spirits and debilitating diseases. Mary Magdalene had been delivered from seven demons; Joanna was married to Chuza, the manager of King Herod’s high-stakes household.

Having experienced the life-altering mercy of Christ, their hearts overflowed with a desire to give back. They expressed their deep gratitude and honored Him by faithfully contributing to His ministry. Their support likely came through direct financial resources as well as rolling up their sleeves to meet the practical, daily needs of Jesus and His disciples. They bought the food, prepared the meals, and ensured the ministry could move from village to village unhindered.

Their service and devotion continue to be a powerful example for every follower of Christ—both women and men alike. They teach us that true discipleship isn’t just about listening to the Word; it’s about investing our resources, time, and practical talents into the work of God.

Serving Christ by Serving Others

While Jesus is no longer physically walking the earth needing food or financial backing, His ministry continues through His body, the Church. How do we follow the blueprint left by these faithful women today?

We do it by turning our eyes toward the hurting, the lonely, and those in deep need. When you step up to support a local ministry, feed the hungry, or care for someone going through a dark season, you are doing exactly what Mary, Joanna, and Susanna did.

In fact, Jesus tells us explicitly that this is how He measures our devotion. In Matthew 25:34-40, He reminds us that whenever we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, or visit the sick, we are doing it directly unto Him. The words of that passage apply to you every time you give from your own means to lift another person up.

Let us live with the same radical gratitude that drove those early female disciples. When we recognize how much Christ has healed, delivered, and provided for us, our natural response should be a life of joyful, sacrificial generosity.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the beautiful examples of faithfulness recorded in Your Word. Thank You for the lives of Mary, Joanna, Susanna, and the countless unnamed women who poured out their resources, time, and love to support the ministry of Your Son.

We confess that we often hold tightly to what we have, forgetting that everything we own belongs to You. Forgive us for the times we have been blind to the needs around us. Open our eyes to see the hurting, the lonely, and the broken in our communities.

Fill our hearts with the same radical gratitude that these women possessed. Because You have healed us, delivered us, and shown us unmatched mercy, stir up within us a desire to give back cheerfully. Teach us to support Your kingdom work through our finances, our daily service, and our practical care for others. May our lives be a reflection of Your love, so that when we serve the least of these, we are truly honoring You.

In the powerful name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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