Monday 22 July 2013

Background

The traditional image is of Jesus surrounded by a small band ofmale, healthy fishermen disciples. This passage suggests somethingvery different. Jesus was accompanied on his travels by some women,of different experiences and roles in society, who are described asproviding for Jesus' supporters "out of their own resources".

Look at the range of women who are mentioned in this passage.Mary, from whom "seven demons" had gone out, would probably bedescribed now as having had episodes of mental ill health. Eventhough one in four of us today will have a diagnosis of mental illhealth sometime during our lives, mental illness can still retainan enormous stigma. Joanna, described as the wife of Herod'ssteward Chuza, would have been a person of status and means - yetshe has left her home to travel with an itinerant preacher.Susanna, is significant enough to be named, but about whom we knownothing. Other women are also present, offering support.

Women played a key role in Jesus' ministry. They areparticipants in his miracles, present at his death and some of thefirst witnesses to his resurrection. This passage shows how centralthey were to his ministry. But it also challenges us in ourunderstanding of community.

This band of Jesus' followers showed the diversity of thecommunity of believers: male and female; respectable and not;wealthy and poor; healthy and those with a history of mental andphysical illness. This is a broad and diverse community, who areliving testimony's to God's work in action, and as a responsechoose to share their resources and support one another. This isGod's kingdom.

To Ponder

• Think about the people around you. How does your life reflectthe diversity of Jesus' band, or do you choose to be with peoplelike you?

• You may have experience of mental ill health, either personallyor through someone you know. How welcome do you or they feel in theChurch?

• What areas of your life are made easier by others' unselfishsupport?