Faith & Love: A One Year Bible Reading Plan - Part 8Sample

What does it mean to be a faithful follower supporting the ministry of Jesus? For us to understand Luke 8:2-3 we need to look at verse 1. In Luke 8:1 we read that Jesus was busy proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God through the city and villages. In verse 2 and 3 we read that with Him were His 12 disciples and some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses. This is such a beautiful scripture because, just to give some context, women did not have a social stance or status at that time at all. There was no way that religious leaders would include women in their ministry. But we see here how Jesus goes against the culture by including women in His ministry. Jesus had a different attitude towards women to that of the religious leaders and teachers of that day. First, we read that He healed them of evil spirits and sicknesses, which we know is a natural response to a true encounter with the Messiah. Second, we read that they were with Jesus while He was proclaiming the good news, and that these women supported Jesus and His disciples with their possessions. Another translation states that these women supported Jesus’ ministry from their own personal finances, means or possessions. They were contributing from their own resources. Wow, what a beautiful picture. We see here the true humble nature of Jesus, who willingly made Himself dependent upon others. Though rich, yet for our sakes He became poor. He humbled Himself by allowing women to provide for Him. But then we also see how these women gladly gave all of their resources to support the ministry of Jesus. Why did they do so? The answer is simple – they loved Jesus with everything inside them, and had complete faith in Him. Are you willing to gladly give not only your heart to Jesus, but also your entire life? You see, there is a big difference. Giving your heart to Jesus is making Him your Lord and Saviour. But giving your life to Jesus is giving everything of yourself to Him – your time, treasures, and talents. Why should we want to do that? Because of the love we have for Jesus and because we want to support His ministry and for the advancement of His Kingdom.