What We Can Learn From Joanna

SHE MINISTERED FROM HER BELONGINGS

"From their belongings," Joanna and many other women ministered to Jesus and the Twelve.  (Luke 8:3) "Luke is not telling his readers that the women cooked the meals, washed the dishes, and mended the clothes," notes one writer.  "Perhaps they did . . . , but it is not what Luke says."  Apparently , the women used their money, goods, or property to provide  for their companions.

Neither Jesus nor his apostles did secular work during their preaching tours.  Hence, they probably did not have the means to pay for all the food and other things needed by a group of perhaps 20 people.  Although they may have been receive hospitably, the fact that Christ and his apostles carried a "money box" suggests that they did not always rely on hospitality.  (John 12:6;13:28, 29)  Joanna and other women may have made contributions to cover expenses.

Some object that a Jewish woman would not have financial assets.  However, contemporary texts indicate that among the Jews, a woman may have acquired resources in various ways:  (1) as an inheritance if her father died without sons, (2) as property given to her, (3) as money stipulated in a marriage contract as due her in case of divorce, (4) as maintenance from a deceased husband's estate, or (5) as personal earnings. 

Undoubtedly, Jesus' followers contributed what they could. His entourage may have included wealthy women. Because Joanna was or had been the wife of Herod's steward, some conclude that she was well-off.  Someone like her may have provided the expensive seamless garment that Jesus wore.  One writer points out that this was  an item that "fishermen's wives  could not have supplied." -John 19:23, 24. 

The Scriptures do not specifically say that Joanna made financial contributions. However, she did what she could, and this can teach us a lesson.  What we give to promote Kingdom interests-or whether we choose to give-is up to us.  What matters to God is that we joyfully do what we can. -Matthew 6:33; Mark 14:8; 2 Corinthians 9:7. 

Next time: What We Can Learn From Joanna - AT JESUS' DEATH AND THEREAFTER

From the Watchtower magazine