Afterward he journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve 2 and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.
Jesus is not stationary. He moves from town to town announcing “the good news of the kingdom of God.” The word “proclaiming” means making a public announcement with authority. The “kingdom of God” means God’s saving rule now present in Jesus, which brings forgiveness, healing, and a new way of life. Luke shows that this mission is not a private message. It is carried to villages and cities so that all Israel can hear.
With Jesus are the Twelve and “some women.” This detail matters. In the ancient world, public religious movements were usually centered on men. Luke highlights that women are active disciples from the start. They are not bystanders. They have been healed by Jesus and now travel with Him and support His mission.
Luke names three women. “Mary, called Magdalene” means Mary from Magdala, a town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Luke says that “seven demons had gone out” of her. “Demons” are personal spiritual beings opposed to God. The number “seven” often signifies completeness. Luke’s point is that Mary had been fully bound by evil and is now fully freed by Jesus. Her healing leads to a life of loyal service. Later, the Gospels will show her at the Cross and at the empty tomb. She becomes a witness to the Resurrection and is remembered in the Church for faithful love.
“Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza,” gives another striking detail. “Herod” here is Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee during Jesus’ ministry. A “steward” is the chief manager of a household or estate. Chuza would have handled money and property. Joanna’s presence shows that the Gospel reaches into high society. God’s word is at work even within the households connected to political power. Joanna appears again in Luke 24:10 among the women who announce the Resurrection. Luke is careful: women are not only benefactors; they are also witnesses chosen by God.
“Susanna” is named without further detail, and then Luke adds “many others.” This is important. The movement around Jesus is larger than the names we know. Many women had been healed and now accompany Him. Luke says they “provided for them out of their resources.” This means they gave material support—money, food, clothing, and lodging—for Jesus and the Twelve. In the ancient world, travel required patrons and hospitality. These women make the mission possible day by day.
Luke’s report corrects a narrow picture of discipleship. Following Jesus is not limited to preaching or public leadership. It includes concrete works that sustain the mission. The women give from their goods to advance God’s kingdom. Their service is not lesser; it is necessary. Luke ties their giving to their healing. Grace leads to gratitude. Gratitude becomes service. Service becomes mission.
This scene also helps us understand “vocation,” a word that simply means a call from God. Jesus calls some to preach, some to manage resources, some to offer hospitality, and many to sustain the Church’s work in quiet, consistent ways. All of it is discipleship. In Luke, the true disciple hears the word, is healed by the Lord, and then bears fruit. These women are a living example.
There is also a pattern here for the Church. The Gospel spreads when believers share their gifts. Teaching, healing, witness, and provision work together. Luke wants us to see the unity of this work and the dignity of every part. The Lord’s ministry is both spiritual and practical. He casts out demons and also eats meals, sleeps in homes, and walks long roads. The kingdom touches bodies and souls, households and travel plans, daily work and public worship.
Finally, Luke’s mention of Mary Magdalene and Joanna hints at what is coming. Women who supported Jesus during His public ministry will stand faithful at His Cross and will be the first to announce His Resurrection. Their early generosity is matched by later courage. They remind us that the Lord often entrusts great moments of salvation history to those who serve without fanfare.
If we ask what this means for us, the answer is simple. Let Jesus heal what binds us. Then let that healing become service. Share your time, your goods, and your witness so that others can meet Him. In Jesus Christ, God’s saving rule has drawn near. When we support His work, we share in His mission and help carry the good news from town to town, from house to house, and from heart to heart.
O Lord Jesus, who frees us from every chain, heal our wounds and set our hearts at peace. Give us grateful love like Mary Magdalene, steadfast faith like Joanna, and generous hands like the many women who served You. Help us to use our resources for Your kingdom, that Your Gospel may reach every place and every person. Amen.
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Sources and References
- The Holy Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition (2011).
- Faculty of the University of Navarre, The Navarre Bible: Luke. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al., eds., The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Brown, Raymond E., et al., eds., The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al., eds., A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. 1953.
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