Chuza’s Wife

I wouldn’t want to live in a world without women.

Really.

Without women, the world would be a (more) smelly, messy, harsh, and violent place.

OK, maybe that’s a broad generalization. But seriously, women do make the world a better place.

I value women. A lot.

So did Jesus.

He broke the social norms of his day in order to value, include, and involve women.

Do you know who Chuza’s wife is?

Jesus did.

Chuza’s wife—Joanna— was on His team.

Not only did Jesus include her, but He actually depended on her.

She was a valuable part of His ministry.

Joanna traveled with Jesus and the other disciples.

She was a key contributor, a partner, and she helped make things happen.

“Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women… Among them were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.” (Luke 8.1-3 NLT)

Jesus valued Joanna—Chuza’s wife, and she brought value to the ministry.

I want to say it again…

Jesus broke the social norms of his day in order to value, include and involve women.

He didn’t keep people low, regardless of how society ranked them. Jesus lifted people.

Much has changed from the first century until now, but we still live in a society that ranks people and keeps them low.

I hope the church will be like Jesus—breaking the social norms of our day in order to value, include and involve those who have been kept low.

I hope we will be like Jesus, who loved and lifted people.