What We Can Learn From Joanna

AT JESUS' DEATH AND THEREAFTER

Apparently, Joanna was present at Jesus' execution, along with other women "who use to accompany him and minister to him when he was in Galilee, and may other women who had come up together with him to Jerusalem." (Mark 15:41)  When Jesus' body was removed from the stake for burial, "the women who had come with him from Galilee followed along and took a look at the tomb and saw how his body was laid, and they went back to prepare spices and perfumed oils."  These women-whom Luke identifies as "Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James"-returned after the Sabbath and saw angles who told them of Jesus' resurrection. -Luke 23:55-24:10. 

It is possible that Joanna was among the disciples, including Jesus' mother and brothers, who gathered together in Jerusalem at Pentecost 33 C.E. (Acts 1:12-14) Because of her court connections, Joanna may have been the source of what some consider to  be Luke's inside information about Herod Antipas, especially since Luke is the only Gospel writer who mentions her by name. -Luke 8:3; 9:7-9; 23:8-12; 24:10. 

The story of Joanna provides us with some thought-provoking lessons.  She served Jesus the best way she could. She must have been happy if her funds helped him, the Twelve, and other disciples to travel and preach together.  Joanna ministered to Jesus and was loyal to him through trials. Christian women would do well to imitate her godly spirit. 

Next time: MAKING PEACE AT HOME -FAMILY STRIFE How Does It Happen? 

From the Watchtower magazine