The Support of Grateful Followers
Scripture Reading — Luke 8:1-3
"These women were helping to support them out of their own means." Luke 8:3
Today's Scripture tells us that a group of women followed Jesus from place to place, helping to support him and the disciples by means of their own resources. The words "were helping" come from the Greek word diakoneo, which also gives us the word "deacon." In a sense, these women served as the first deaconesses.
The Bible says there were "many" in this group (Mark 15:41; Luke 8:3). Only a few of their names are mentioned. Some were married; others may have been widows. Some had a fair amount of money, while others were probably poor. Some were women whom Jesus had healed. The motivation for their service was faith in Jesus, commitment to his ministry, and gratitude for his compassion and grace.
Many followers of Christ support good causes today by their gifts and services. What would local churches do without the work of these faithful members? What would missionaries do without their financial support? God has placed in the hearts of faith-filled believers a passion for winning the world for Christ and helping needy people.
May the company of such faithful followers of Jesus never cease! Just as the grateful women in our reading for today helped support Jesus' ministry, so we can all support our Lord out of thanks for his great salvation.
Thank you, Lord, for placing in the hearts of your children a passion for Christ and his kingdom. Use us to support your kingdom work and make it grow. In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — Roger S. Greenway
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