Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another,
preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God.
Accompanying him were the Twelve
and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities,
Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,
Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza,
Susanna, and many others
who provided for them out of their resources.
(Lk 8:1-3)
The women disciples seem to take second place as far as some of the gospels are concerned. But Luke’s naming of Mary Magdalene, (the first named of the women disciples, like Peter is of the men disciples), then Joanna and Susanna, and then adding that there were “many others who provided for them out of their resources” changes the conversation somewhat. These women disciples played a very important role in the ministry of Jesus. First, they were people of means who were able to provide for the others. Second, they were accompanying Jesus and the Twelve “from one town and village to another.” The women weren’t left behind. And of course, the Lucan gospel goes on to mention two other women disciples: the sisters, Mary and Martha (Lk 1:38-42). So, perhaps there is a lot more to the gospel witness about women in ministry than the church ever led us to believe.
