It is important to note that Jesus shared much of His life and ministry with women.

“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, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means” (Luke 8:1-3).

Here you see Jesus in the company of women … women of means, no less, and there were many of them. They were a part of the company that travelled with Jesus at this time of His ministry, and they were women who had the influence and the financial wherewithal to help provide for the needs of Jesus and no doubt the others who were with Him. There is no mention of their husbands being present — it would appear that they were acting on their own — something that would create a problem for some conservative circles of Christ-followers today. Jesus appeared to make no attempt to qualify or restrict their participation in His work; they are simply a functioning part of the entourage.

I notice that this is mentioned here in my Bible, and I note the matter-of-factness of the account. It assumes their positions of influence and means. It assumes their importance to the discipleship team.

This is one of those things you don’t have to make a big commentary on except to notice it is there, because it was not meant to be taken as a teaching or a sermon point. It’s a big deal precisely because it was not considered unusual then. Nor should it be now.

We have many women who are contributors to the Catch and we encourage them to use their means and influence wherever they see a need as God directs. All of you need to know how important you are to Jesus.

“Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome. In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there” (Mark 15:40-41).

This happened at the cross; they were with Him to the end, as they were with Him in the beginning — the beginning of life in the New Covenant — because they were the first to see and believe that Jesus had risen from the dead. They were the ones who went and told the others the amazing news.

Is it any wonder my wife is always the first of us to call on the Spirit!