November 2 Honoring Women

Luke 8:1-4 After 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 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna 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.
 
THERE is a lie in the world that the Bible and Christianity demean women. Of course these lies come from the devil’s influence on the world in an attempt to discredit God’s magnificent love and provision for his creation. Jesus spoke of the devil’s lies in this heated exchange with the Jews in John 8:44-48 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! 46 Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? 47 He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”
   Let’s understand the truth, then, about women in the Kingdom of God. God created woman as equal to man. God loves women. God honors women. God chooses women into his church. God gifts women to serve in his kingdom. Women are of great value in God’s sight. After all, women are made in the image of God.
   We have seen these facts in the previous two lessons. Recall how Jesus loved and saved the repentant woman who wept over her sins. We also see in these verses three women who helped Jesus in his ministry. Mary Magdalene was freed of demon possession. (For some reason, many label her a one-time prostitute. I’m not sure why.) Joanna is a woman of means. It is thought Jesus had healed her son, and she traveled with Jesus to support him financially.
   For women to travel with men in this way was the subject of scandal. Furthermore, co-education was not done in this culture. Women were second-class citizens. But not with Jesus, who had come to set the captives free. These women would have been learning along with The Twelve. You can even say they are Jesus’ disciples as the term applies to all who pursued his teachings and learned from him. Jesus graciously welcomed women into his midst to use their gifts, witness his miracles and to receive his teachings. It is believed Jesus had also healed Susanna.
   These women would not only be supporting Jesus and helping the physical aspects of his ministry, we can understand, too, they would be a living testimony to Jesus’ healing, transforming powers. The Kingdom of God thrives and revives when all whom Christ has healed testify of God’s grace and power to heal. (Did you hear that? What is your testimony?)
   The Bible records many more ways our Lord affirms women. As in all things we hear, put away the world’s deceptions. Listen closely to God’s words and believe.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for the ways you honor women. Thank you for all the women in my life who have taught me of you. In Jesus’ name, amen.