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 Cuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.
(verses 1b-3)
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This is an unprecedented circumstance for a Rabbi. That the Twelve were men was to be expected. That an entourage of women was also part of Jesus’ inner circle, was not. Already Jesus is unsettling the regular order of things, allowing the values of the Kingdom to emerge, preparing the way for that day when he will pour out his Spirit on all people, both women and men, and the new community will be inaugurated.
Don’t we want to know more? What was Mary’s background and what was the circumstance of her deliverance? How did a woman like Joanna, with such connections into the halls of Judean power, ever come to be connected with Jesus? Who is this woman whom Luke feels content to simply, confidently, introduce as Susanna? Did the first readers of this Gospel immediately recognize her name? And the “many others”, what of them? How many were there? What were their stories? What roles did they end up playing in the soon-to-be-born infant church?
The questions remain, but we must be content with the details we’re given, content to learn that Jesus’ circle is eclectic and full, with room enough for people of varying gender, history, rank, wealth, need – even me.
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Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your full embrace. There is room in your kingdom for all. Content, I take my place. Thank you.
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Walk:
Be aware of walking in company with Jesus today. Make two to three deliberate stops during the day. Give him thanks. Watch for his directions. Enjoy his presence.
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Photo by Shane Rounce on Unsplash
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