1 And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, 2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, 3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance. (Luke 8:1-3 KJV)
Women Accompanying Jesus
We are told here what Christ made the central work of his life—preaching. He was tireless in this mission and went about doing good (Luke 8:1). He followed a deliberate pattern in his ministry, moving from one town to another with purpose and order. As soon as one good work was done, he began another.
He preached throughout cities and villages, not limiting himself to any one place. He was an itinerant preacher, spreading the light of the gospel broadly. He traveled a circuit, reaching every city and village so that no one could claim ignorance. In doing so, he set an example for his disciples, who would later carry the message to the nations as he had done in Israel (cf. Judges 5:11).
His message was the good news of the kingdom of God. He came to tell people that God was willing to take back those who returned to him. This was truly good news for a lost world, offering hope for reconciliation and renewal.
The twelve apostles were with him—not to preach when he was present, but to learn how to preach and, when necessary, to go to places he could not reach. They were fortunate to hear his wisdom and see his example.
Jesus supported his ministry through the generosity of his followers. Certain women, who regularly listened to his teaching, supported him from their own resources (Luke 8:2-3). Some are named, but there were many others who, having benefited from his ministry, gave out of gratitude and a desire for others to experience the same.
Many of these women had been healed by Jesus, either of evil spirits or physical diseases. He had restored troubled minds and afflicted bodies. Those who have been healed by Christ owe him gratitude and should follow him closely, ready to seek him again if needed, and committed to serving him out of love for what he has done.
Among them was Mary Magdalene, from whom Jesus had cast out seven demons. Whether this number is literal or symbolic, it emphasizes the seriousness of her condition and the power of her healing. Some have speculated she was the woman described in Luke 7:37 or even Mary, the sister of Lazarus, but the evidence is not clear. What is clear is that she was deeply devoted to Christ, attending to him even at the cross and the tomb.
Another woman was Joanna, the wife of Chuza, a steward in Herod’s court. She may have been widowed or, if still married, her husband likely supported her devotion to Christ. That someone so closely connected to Herod’s household followed Jesus shows the reach of his message.
Many others supported him from their means. This shows the humility of Christ—that though he was rich, for our sake he became poor and relied on the generosity of others. He chose to receive help from friends rather than place a burden on strangers. This reminds us that those who are taught the word should support those who teach it. Those who give cheerfully and generously honor God and bring a blessing on what they have.