How's the scripture memorizing going? Ann from Indiana posted about an online tool to help us. Check out www.biblememory.us if you want to try it. You can choose which verses you want to learn.
Next we are going to read about Joanna. She is found in the book of Luke, immediately following the sinful woman's story we just read. Joanna's story is in Luke 8:1-3 and 23:55-56 and 24:1-12 . It is linked here for online reading.
Once you've read, consider these questions:
- What does it say about Jesus that he and his disciples would travel with women?
- Why do you think Joanna was following Jesus, and helping foot the bills for His ministry?
Post your "I read it" here, and we'll begin discussing her mid-week.
I read it!
ReplyDeleteJesus' servant heart and humble attitude is amazing. I'm sure He appreciated and gratefully accepted the ministry of the women at a time when women were not seen as valuable as men.
With Joanna's husband in such a prominent position, I think it would have taken a lot of courage for her to go and be with Jesus and minister to Him, as she probably had to face gossiping neighbors and the ridicule of other prominent people.
Looking forward to discussion.
Connie, Canada
I read it!
ReplyDelete-What does it say about Jesus that he and his disciples would travel with women?
To me, it says that Jesus respected all people. Everyone is significant and can be used to help further the kingdom.
- Why do you think Joanna was following Jesus, and helping foot the bills for His ministry?
I think it was from sheer gratitude for what Jesus did in her life and wanting to serve in whatever way she could.
I read it! Is't it great that our loving Lord would loves us all, even a women who had been demon possessed! He loves us all! Thank you Jesus for loving me!
ReplyDeleteI agree with the other comments about why women were with Jesus. Do ya'll think that maybe also that they would have different testimonies so the people could see and hear what the Lord had done in their own lifes? I know you were asking more about Joanna, but this suck out in my head. Can't wait for the discussion!
Blessings to you all!
ps ~ thanks Rachel for stopping by my blog!
I read it.
ReplyDeleteI read it!
ReplyDeleteJoanna was cured and healed by Jesus. That was heart- and life-changing for her of course. Wow! She firmly and boldly walked with Him, even though she was the wife of someone in a prominent social position. Seems like she joyfully gave from all God had given her. :)
ReplyDeleteI read it! I agree with the ladies above that it is another example of how our Lord just loved and respected everyone no matter what their cicumstances.
ReplyDeleteAnd Christi mentioned that their testimonies were probably very vauluable to Jesus while he moved around teaching to the people. Which is such an example to us to share our story of what God has done in our lives to those we come in contact with!!
Kim from PA
i read it!
ReplyDeleteI read it and agree totally with Connie. I also think that it confirms once again that Jesus is no respector of persons that he would have women (even one who had been demon possesed) travel with Him. Joanna was brave to help finance Jesus ministry when her husband worked for Herod.
ReplyDeleteI Read it.
ReplyDeleteLynn, Oregon
I read it. Jesus loved the heart of any who were sincere, didn't matter where they came from, who they were, what they were. He knew their heart, and that's why each was chosen. He loves us. Just as we are! So good for us to KNOW. I am so grateful!
ReplyDeleteTraci, WA state
I read it.
ReplyDeleteDeb - Ohio
I read it, and I'm so glad we've started again!
ReplyDeleteTara-NM
I read it! Joanna and the other women followed Jesus and used their resources to support Jesus and his disciples, so should we also follow Jesus and support Him and His disciples, these women prepared spices for Jesus' body and by the time they were done it was the sabbath...we also should cease from work(even in things prepared for the body of Christ) in order to rest in the Lord. These women went to the tomb expecting to find Jesus and instead were greeted by angels telling them that Jesus had already spoken to them and His words are true He Is Risen! We too when we first heard that Jesus is Risen have shared the news with other...perhaps we have become weary and no longer share with the same enthusiasm,sometimes we look to unanswered prayer,heavy trials and tribulations, and our eyes remain on the tomb instead of Our Risen Lord - all our hope,expectations, healings, deliverance,joy are alive in Jesus.
ReplyDeleteVickie, I just read your post about your son. My prayers are with you and your family. Loss is so hard to bear but just remember the Lord is with you in it all.
ReplyDeleteI read the post. Such a short one but so much in it.
Looking forward to the discussion.
Janet
Latrobe, PA
I read it.
ReplyDeleteI read it!!! Look forward to the discussion!
ReplyDeleteJT Southern IL
I read it and I'm thankful for your dedication to us. I'm looking forward to the discussion.
ReplyDeleteI read it. Although the women were in the background unlike the disciples who were involved in the main action; they served Christ in their own small way. That I think is important, whatever little cotribution we make in serving counts and that what matters. I haven't heard abt Joanna but I guess whatever role she played was important. Probably, she was an unsung hero. She helped in suporting Christ's ministry. I think we shud just do whatever we r irrespective of whether we get recognition or not. Or if we r famous or not. Our acts r being recognised by God.
ReplyDeleteJust joined you today.
ReplyDeleteI read it:)
Despite social norms of that time, I think Jesus obviously made women feel very much a part of what he was doing.
I was glad to read these passages because I didn't recall multiple women at the tomb. It always seems to be focused on the two Mary's with little regard to additional women being involved.
I read it:
ReplyDelete-What does it say about Jesus that he and his disciples would travel with women?
I agree with what others have posted on this. As Paul says "Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all." (Colossians 3:11) Jesus did not honor anyone above another. All were deserving in His eyes.
- Why do you think Joanna was following Jesus, and helping foot the bills for His ministry?
Some writings speculate that Joanna was a widow and free to follow Jesus. Others that her husband was also a believer and was willing to let Joanna serve Christ in this way. All agree that given who her husband was, she was a wealthy woman and her ministry was an example of how Christians were to support the ministry and the early church. They were to provide for the fellowship of believers from their bounty. In Acts there are many stories of the sharing of food and other goods and services within the community. Not everyone could be "preachers." As Jesus said, being a servant, serving the needs of others is a role to be taken joyfully and a role that will be rewarded. I think that is one reason He showed himself to the women first when He rose from the dead.
I like this form of study. Thank you Rachel, I look forward to reading what others have to say.
Blessings and peace to you all in Christ,
Karen in California
Rachel-I wanted to drop a quick note of appreciation for your P31 devotion today. I coincided with my quiet time this morning encouragening me to develop the same mind as Christ and in doing so, love...love as Christ loves us.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
In His Graces~Pamela
I read it!
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to this discussion.
Lisa - Kansas
I read it & am looking forward to the discussion!
ReplyDeletePat in nyc
I read it! Praying for new revelation other than what is apparent on this passage. Y'all have such great comments.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Jesus included women in his travels as an example and inspiration to be followed by future generations. Women have value in the church as well as men.
ReplyDeleteJoanna appears to be somebody moved by her experience with Jesus to help in whatever way she was able to bring the experience to others.
Ronda, MN
To travel with women at that time was unheard of. To teach women at that time was unheard of. To respect women at that time was unheard of. Jesus did everything that was unheard of and that showed the value of all people. He also did that with children who were the lowest on the totem pole. To appear before women first and not his male disciples shows the value of the service and faith these women possessed. Joanna might have followed Jesus because of the way he treated her/women and valued her/women. I can only imagine how liberating and uplifting it must have been.
ReplyDeleteI read it.
ReplyDeletePaula - Indiana
I read it!!!!
ReplyDeleteSuzy in Florida
I read it!
ReplyDeleteI believe that Joanna walked with Jesus because she was a walking testimony! Once Jesus has touched you, it's very hard not to spread the word about it or to serve the one who has saved you. She was a follower...a disciple. Awesome!
Prayers and Blessings!
Rebecca
~in Mississippi
I read it.I think Jesus was a role model in teaching man how to love ,respect and treat a woman.What do u all think?
ReplyDeleteJesus traveling with women shows His love for everyone and His coming for everyone-wanting all to know the gospel He was showing it was not just limited to men- remember women had a separate court in which to worship, they were not taught as the men. I agree with anonymous He was showing His value of women.
ReplyDeleteI believe Jonna may have been cured of a disease vs 8 or have witness Jesus healing some of these women. What she experienced led her to believe in Him as the Son of God. I believe God touched and open all the women's heart who followed Jesus filling their role as a helpmeet. Also I believe Jesus effect on women led them to take care of Him. It is amazing that during this time Joanna was able to leave her husband and follow Jesus and she had her own funds to do this-indicates she was a resourceful, independent woman.
Jesus gave them value just as He does us and He treated them differently than the men of this time. The disciples observed Jesus with women and how He interacted with them this may account for why they didn't question His talking with the woman at the well.
I read it, I cannot immagine being
ReplyDeletea woman in Jesus' time of life, but how wonderful it would have been. I have become much more
caring and conscious of God near me since I have been following you
all on this journey. Thank you again.
Laura's Mom
Vicky, I also pray for your family and your heavy hearts. I have not
ReplyDeleteexperienced the loss of a child so
I cannot imagine how you feel. Know that God is walking beside you
during this difficult time and many of us are send up prayers for
you. You will be given the strength to go on, even though you will always have a hole in your heart.....May God bless you
Laura's mom
I read it!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to discussing this passage.
Keri/MO
I read it
ReplyDeleteI wonder if having Joanna follow Jesus was also a lesoon to the Pharasees. They were so "religious" but didn't get it.
Also, this is just one more way that we know Jesus is human. He needed actual money to have his ministry continue. Being fully man makes Him able to relate and us to relate to Him.
For all you bloggers out there, I have visited many of your sites and they are all awesome. I don't get how you set it up or what it is all about though. Is it primarily so you can share your story? Any help would be appreciated.
Continued prayers for Vicki, Rachel, the Drakes, Maddie, and all others experiencing some sense of loss. Jesus said, Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. I pray God's rest and peace will fall on you through the Holy Spirit.
In Christ,
Kelly
I read it!
ReplyDeleteWelcome Michelle in Tx. :)
Yes, I believe Jesus gave them value just as He does us. I do think he appreciated the ministry of the women then. It just goes to show how much he loves us--loves us all!
Thank You Lord.
Sharon
I did it! ......footing the bill? mmmmm.....gotta read it again!
ReplyDeleteI read it - looking forward to more discussion. There is much to be said for the those who serve "behind the scenes" without recognition or fame. Thank you, Rachel, for exposing me to the deeper level of servitude from women I "passed over" in my own study time.
ReplyDeleteSusan - VA
I read it, God Bless, Josie
ReplyDeleteI read it!
ReplyDeleteI read it!
ReplyDeleteI read it!
ReplyDeleteI read it - thankyou for the time you invest to prepare these readings & stimulate discussion for us.
ReplyDeleteBloom, Australia
I read it!
ReplyDeleteAfter all that Jesus has done for me in my life, I can only imagine the lengths I would go to to follow Him and help pay His expenses if He were traveling the world today! I can't help but believe that Joanna's life had been transformed so dramatically that she could do nothing else but follow Him! And I can just see Jesus smile as He realizes that these women following Him have truly fallen in love with His Father! I think that even though he was the King of Kings He was humbled to have followers.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus...there's just something about that name!
I read it. Carla/Alpharetta
ReplyDeleteI read it!
ReplyDeleteCat from Louisiana
Hi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted you to know that I will be praying for you as you are preparing for She Speaks.
Blessings,
Pearls
I read it!
ReplyDeleteLaTonya/FL
I read it!
ReplyDeleteGod Bless!
Linda - NC
I read it (better late than not at all)!
ReplyDeletewanted to tell you that I am memorizing Ps 91. I have so far memorized the first 4 verses- which is more scripture than I have memorized in the past! I am doing it with your method- reading it outloud each time emphasizing a different word of the scripture. I also leave myself notes around the house with the verses written on them- so I read them while brushing my teeth. Thanks for the memorization method-
ReplyDeleteI read it!
ReplyDeleteDebby in ND
I was so excited to see the level to which Jesus would trust these women. He could have appointed any one or many of the disciples to come back to the tomb to find that He had arisen, but He allowed it to be these women.
ReplyDeleteI attend a church were women are not allowed to speak from the pulpit or have places of leadership. To me, Jesus is saying that women are capable of carrying His message. They are important to Him and He trusts them.
i read it!
ReplyDeleteI read it.... :)
ReplyDeleteI read it! I'm a little behind, but I'm still here!
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to catch up because I've been away from my computer. Q#1 these passages show that Jesus recognized the value and position of women in this life and God's realm, and He was not afraid to demonstrate that.
ReplyDeleteQ#2 I think Joanna felt the calling of the Lord to be in His company and to do what was needed/required of her.
Love, listen and be obedient to our Lord is what I'm learning here and to apply in my life. I thank the Lord for His patience because I don't always get it right, yet.
I read it!!!!!
ReplyDeleteJo Ann\Denver
Hello , I just joined and I look forward to learning and sharing Gods word with you all ... In Christ Love
ReplyDelete