Luke 8:1-15

Luke 8:1-15

We often times rush past the first three verses of chapter 8 to get to the parable of the sower. These verses ought not be ignored. Jesus having been rejected in the synagogue now focuses his teaching in the streets. When church has become a religion club, more interested in its own comfort than proclaiming the Gospel, Jesus’ disciples ought to move out of the building and into the streets.

Luke points out that along with Jesus and the 12 there was a company of women who were partners in ministry. Luke specifically names two women Mary from Magdalene and Joanna. Mary had been possessed by seven demons. The number seven is the number of completion sort of a complete inventory of the spirits, this may also have reflected that she was completely under their control with no respite or relief for peace. Traditionally, she was identified as a prostitute. Scripture never says that specifically. Though prostitution and demonic possession are closely linked. Joanna, on the other hand, was the wife of Herod’s steward. The word “steward” means he was responsible for all of his financial affairs. It was his job to see to it that Herod's financial investments were protected; he was the CFO of the regional king.

Stop for a moment and consider. The wife of a C-level executive and a former prostitute with the demonic history are working together. No sense of superiority or condescension no suspicion or envy apparently marked their lives and relationship. In our world, we are becoming more and more stratified and that is exactly what we would expect when the Gospel and the Lord are absent from our churches.

"Grant to me, Lord, blindness about place and rank so that I can serve You without distraction. AMEN"