Afterward he journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve 2 and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.
Women played significant roles in Jesus’ ministry as indicated by their presence in his close circle of disciples and their support of Jesus' mission. The Twelve and some women, healed of physical or spiritual maladies, followed Jesus through the Galilean towns and villages where he preached the good news of the Kingdom of God. This continued the prophetic tradition found in the Old Testament writings, where prophets foretold the coming of God's kingdom (see Is. 52:7; Is. 61:1; Jer. 23:5-6). Jesus proclaimed the imminent arrival of God's kingdom and evidenced its presence through his actions—miracles, healings, forgiveness of sins, and teachings that emphasized repentance and faith in God (Mt. 4:17, Lk 4:43).
It was acceptable for women to provide money, property, or foodstuff to Rabbis or their disciples, but it was uncommon for women to travel with male religious teachers in first-century Palestine due to societal norms and potential scandal. Among the women traveling with the Twelve were Joanna, a woman of significant social standing as the wife of a high official in Herod's court, and Mary Magdalene who experienced a profound spiritual transformation symbolized by the casting out of seven demons. These women and others played a crucial role in financially supporting Jesus’ itinerant ministry, which allowed him and the Twelve to focus on their mission. Their inclusion challenged existing cultural norms and illustrated the inclusive and universal nature of Jesus' message - the call to discipleship transcends gender, status, and past afflictions. The Samaritan woman at the well is an example of Jesus crossing cultural and societal boundaries (Jn. 4:1-42).
The women who followed Jesus gave great testimony to the power of God’s kingdom over sickness and evil. The power of the kingdom was demonstrated through Jesus’ healing. The close-knit group that followed Jesus represented all aspects of God’s kingdom – men and women, single and married, healthy and sick, rich and poor. These women were present in Jerusalem during Jesus' path to Calvary, at his death (Lk. 23:49), his burial (Lk. 23:55-56), and at the empty tomb after his resurrection (Lk. 24:1-11).
Almighty God, grant us the grace to experience your transformative love and to extend your compassion to all. Help us to bear great witness to your kingdom like the disciples and the women who followed Jesus. Empower us to support your mission in our communities, and share the good news with generosity and faith. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
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Sources:
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
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