J is for Joanna

Joanna

Ionna

“Now it came to pass, afterward that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities – Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance. (Luke 8:1-3, NKJV)

Little is known of this dear woman called Joanna. However, what we do know of her endears her to the hearts of all of those who love our Lord Jesus Christ. She is only mentioned twice by name and referenced one time with other women in the New Testament.

Apparently she had been “healed” or delivered from some type of “infirmity” and oppression of evil or demonic spirits. She also was a woman of some financial means. She used her money to provide for the needs of Jesus and His twelve apostles as they traveled and ministered in the region of Galilee.

Luke 23:55 – 24:10 tells us that she was with the group of women who were present when Jesus was laid in his tomb. She watched as the large stone “door” was rolled into place sealing the tomb. She also observed the Roman guard set into place as they guarded the burial tomb.

“And the women who had come with Him from Galilee followed after, and they observed the tomb and how His body was laid.”

Then we are told that Joanna returned with the women and prepared the spices and oils that they would use to anoint the body of Jesus. After their preparations they settled in to observe the Sabbath.

We see Joanna next on the first day of the week (Sunday morning) with the other women as they came to the tomb hoping to anoint Jesus body. Of course she and the others found the large stone rolled away from the tomb. When they went inside they found the tomb to be empty of Jesus body. She encountered the angels and their wonderful message that Jesus had been raised from the dead. Joanna and along with the other women raced back to share what they had just seen and been told.

“It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles.” (Luke 24:10)

Such a wonderful testimony we have of this woman who had been the recipient of such marvelous grace. Her name and actions are forever recorded in God’s Holy Word for all to read. I trust that this little post gives you an appreciation for Joanna and all the women who risked their wealth and reputation because they believed that Jesus was in fact the Messiah.