Women Ministers – Lessons from Luke
What does it really mean to minister? Especially as a woman?
Luke 8:1–3 gives us great insight into what authentic ministry really looks like because it offers us a glimpse of the lives of the women who ministered on Jesus’ team.
Here’s the passage:
“Soon afterward, Jesus travelled from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with Him, as well as some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others. These women were ministering to them out of their own means.”
It’s wild to think: these three verses contain four major truths about ministry. (That’s the Word of God for you!)
These truths are:
- Our ministry is rooted in the gospel.
- Ministry is about others.
- We minister with what we have.
- Ministry is a team sport.
Let’s dive deeper into each.
1. Our ministry flows from the gospel
“…proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with Him, as well as some women…”
We minister in response to the good news of the gospel: Jesus saves! We minister because we’re partners in the gospel, essential to the team – and there is only one Team Jesus. Our acts of service may look different, but we are all equal and called to be each other’s greatest cheerleaders.
“…who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna…”
In a culture where women were often unnamed, Luke names them. That matters. Their names – Mary, Joanna, Susanna – aren’t random. It’s rather amazing! Here’s why:
- Mary: Means “Bitterness/Rebellion”, but also “Beloved”
Jesus redeems Mary’s life from bondage and brokenness to belovedness and purpose. Likewise, God chooses us – in our bitterness or rebellion – sets us free, calls us His beloved, and makes us part of His team.
Ministry is never a bargaining chip for blessing. Mary did not serve in order to be saved or healed. We don’t hustle for God’s approval. Ministry is not payment – it’s gratitude. We serve because we’re already chosen, loved and accepted.
- Joanna: Means “God is gracious”
Joanna’s husband held a high-ranking position under Herod – the very king who beheaded John the Baptist. She stands as a powerful witness that God’s grace is sufficient, no matter where we find ourselves – amid darkness, evil and corruption – His grace enables us to rise above our situations and to serve in spite of them. Joanna technically used Herod’s money to support the gospel. Incredible!
- Susanna: Means “Lily”
Her name reminds us of Jesus’ words (in Matthew 6:28–29) that God clothes the lilies and He will take care of us too. God equips and sustains us. He is forever faithful and the work He has started within us and through us, He will bring to completion. God does not call the equipped; He equips the called.
How profound that every part of these women’s lives – even their names – have been grafted into God’s story. That’s the power of the gospel!
Where are you at? Do you need healing?
Are you broken? Bound? Bitter? Come to Jesus.
Jesus is mighty to save. And as we surrender our lives to Him, He brings us into a far greater, beautiful and glorious story!
Note – there are no titles before their names. The greatest title we can ever carry is “Servant of the Lord.”
‘The highest we’ll ever reach is at the feet of Jesus.’
2. We minister for the benefit of others
“These women were ministering to them…”
- We’re called to the ‘who’, not the ‘what’.
We are not called to a job or a gifting. We are called to a person – first to Christ and then to people: the ‘them’.
- These women knew exactly who they were serving.
Knowing our ‘them’ brings clarity of purpose. Let’s lock in. Who is the ‘them’ in your life right now?
To wives: your husband is your first ministry (and vice versa). Whether we tend to their needs as fellow Kingdom advancers or tend to their needs in order to witness to them about the Kingdom – serving our spouse hits deep!
- Ministry means meeting needs.
The word ministering comes from the root word diakonos, which means to be an attendant. The act of caring for another’s needs is ministry.
These women not only funded Jesus’ ministry but also cared for His and the disciples’ practical needs such as meals, laundry, accommodation, travel – just to name a few.
What do the ‘them’ in your life need? Sometimes ministry is as simple as a hug or a gentle answer.
Somehow, we’ve come to believe that ministry is reserved for the super saints or those with a stage (virtual or real) – but that’s far from the truth. Let’s face it, it’s often harder to serve where there’s a need, than where we feel gifted or significant. But ministry isn’t about a platform. It’s not fancy footwork. True ministry is about obedience in the ordinary.
Picture this: it’s 7am and you spot Mary at a Seattle coffee shop. Hair in a messy bun, she’s juggling a tray of flat whites – for Jesus and the disciples. Susanna’s at the till, picking up the tab. Would we say, “Girl, you look exhausted. Why aren’t they fetching the coffee?” Or, “Wait, this is ministry? Where’s your stage, your assistant, your sponsored Versace tracksuit with the gold trim?”
This puts it in perspective, right?! Let me repeat: true ministry is about obedience in the ordinary.
Serving in our everyday life is real ministry. While our gifts often align with our tasks, true ministry begins with a willingness, not preference.
Have you lost your passion to serve the ‘them‘?
Ask God to help you rediscover it.
3. We serve with what we have
“…out of their own means.”
These women served out of their own personal means – not the church’s means; not out of another’s means.
It’s not about identifying someone else’s means and ministry. We’ve all done it – judged someone else’s ‘service level’: “If I had their qualifications/ money/ gifting/ connections/ position, I’d be doing way more.” Rating others isn’t just unhelpful – it’s sin.
What has God given me to use? My resources, who I am, my time and my influence are all part of my personal means.
Some need to learn to live within their means; others need to realise they have means to give! God does not expect us to give what we do not have. To each has been given a measure of faith to complete the task at hand. Don’t wait for the more. Your means – however small – multiply in God’s hands!
On a personal note: I don’t want to give my means begrudgingly. I don’t want to be pressed out, sparingly. I want to willingly pour myself out. Willingly and joyfully! (Lord, help me stay captivated by Christ, because then, though ministry may be inconvenient and stretching, my life is defined by a joy that is independent of circumstances.)
4. We serve in team
In the pouring out, are we pausing to be replenished?
If we want to stay full, we need to allow others to serve us and the Holy Spirit to fill us.
Ministry is not meant to be lonely. These women didn’t minister in isolation. They supported each other, walked with the twelve, and followed Jesus as a team.
Ministry is not a solo calling – it’s a shared journey. We need each other.
Surround yourself with a Godly community who can hold up your tired arms or carry you into the healing presence of Jesus. Self-reliance is not a fruit of the Spirit. If Jesus welcomed help – so can we.
Conclusion
The best part of serving on Team Jesus?
Like the lilies of the field, He sustains us.
In every role – wife, mum, fellow worker of the faith – His grace is sufficient.
And when resentment and bitterness creeps in, we return to Him and remember: we are His beloved.
_________________
What amazes me most is that these women became key witnesses, shaping much of Luke’s Gospel. Their simple service gave them access to moments that echoes through eternity. Never underestimate the power of ‘ordinary obedience’ – God can use it to leave a legacy that reaches far beyond our lifetime.
What a privilege that we get to minister as co-labourers of the gospel and at the same time, co-heirs with Christ!
This Post Has 0 Comments