On Line Bible Study - For the Week July 26-August 1, 2010

Lesson 450

Luke 8: ¹After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, ²and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; ³Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

Darrell Bock quotes C. H. Talbert in citing eleven references found exclusively in Luke with regard to the gospel narrative and women. This is one of them.

Jesus is on the move, notes Bock. This is true both geographically as he 'traveled about from one town and village to another ...' It is also true sociologically as Christ's ministry moves from the bottom of the social ladder (women) to the top (Herod - see Luke 9:7).

Luke makes a point of it to tell us that women not only were ministered to by Jesus, but they ministered to Jesus by supporting him. While this was not completely unusual - the Jewish historian Josephus records a story of women who paid a fine that was owed by some Pharisees - one of the characteristics of that support was an effort on the part of the women to position themselves for power. In this example from Luke the women offer their support in response to the healing they have received. This is not an attempt to gain power, but a response to having been empowered by Jesus.

Jesus' touch upon our lives, if it is authentic, calls for a response from us - thanksgiving, praise, and most of all, a willingness to serve.

This brings us back to the age-old discussion of faith and works. Throughout the Christian Testament we see evidence of faith, not in what people say the believe, but in the ways their lives are changed.

These three verses can go by very quickly; however, before we let them go, let's consider two things:

1. Jesus ministers to anyone and everyone; this means he will minister to us if we let him.
2. Does our life manifest any proclamation we might make with regard to our faith in Jesus?