“…The twelve were with Him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases….Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household;…and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.” – Luke 8:1-3 (NIV)
Joanna was a woman of high rank in Herod’s court. She was married to Chuza, the manager of Herod’s vast estates, and was accustomed to an atmosphere of worldliness.
Nothing had so troubled and sickened Joanna as the death of the prophet John the Baptist. A holy man was murdered for speaking the truth. His head was carried to Herodias on a platter, like a tantalizing dish, to satisfy her appetite for revenge (Mark 6:27-28). How sad Joanna had been as she watched Jesus grieving His cousin’ murder.
Jesus had cured Joanna of some spiritual or physical malady, and she was among a group of women who had travelled with Him and His disciples. She supported His ministry out of her own means and was present at Jesus’ resurrection along with Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James (Luke 24:1-10).
Joanna was in awe of the angels who greeted her with astonishing news: “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He is risen!” (Verse 5). She had just witnessed a far greater power than Herod’s. It was the same power that healed her.
Joanna knew where her allegiance belonged. A woman of high rank, she became part of the intimate circle of Christ’s followers, casting her lot with fishermen and poor people rather than with the rich and the powerful. God honoured her by making her one of the first witnesses of His Resurrection. As Joanna went to the tomb of Jesus, expecting to minister to His body and to grieve, her sorrow turned to tremendous joy.
Sisters, our joy may not come immediately as we face many hardships, difficult situations, and too much sorrow here on earth, but we must believe that our joy will arrive. It will come just as Jesus promised. At the end of the day, at the end of this life, there will be a joyful morning for all who trust in Him.
Read: Psalm 65:8; Psalm 90:14
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 68:28-35; John 19:28-42; John 20:1-9; 1 Samuel 29; 1 Samuel 30; 1 Samuel 31
