Companions, supporters and messengers
In our Christian understanding, Jesus honored women by giving them a place in his ministry. His work included women as participants in fellowship and service, as illustrated by the women who accompanied him in Luke 8:1–3.
Luke names Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Susanna, alongside many other women (Luke 8:1–3). He identifies Joanna as the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and describes Mary Magdalene as a woman from whom seven demons had gone out. These named individuals belonged to the company traveling with Jesus and the twelve. [1]
Their participation included material support: Luke records that they provided for the group from their own means. Their resources helped sustain the ministry. Luke also introduces these women as people Jesus had healed of evil spirits and illnesses, placing their service alongside their experience of his healing (Luke 8:1–3). [1]
Women also spoke publicly about what Jesus had done. Luke records that the woman healed after twelve years of bleeding explained before the people why she had touched him and how she had been healed (Luke 8:43–48). [2]
After his resurrection, Jesus gave Mary Magdalene a message for his disciples. John records her encounter with him and her subsequent announcement that she had seen the Lord (John 20:11–18). [2]
