So, does following Y’shua mean Conviction or Conversion? I guess it depends on why we follow and what we do as followers. Consider the women in Today’s Holy Nougat.
“Soon afterward 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 who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.” Luke 8:1-3 NLT
Follow with a Sense of Purpose
Nowhere else in the Gospels do we hear of women disciples in such an intentional way. The Twelve, most of us know; but these women – for the most part – have remained hidden figures. This was not a uniform set of women. Although they followed Him because of his healing touch and/or power over demons, we cannot assume that they were all of the same community or social status. What they had in common was Y’shua.
Self-Check
What do we have in common with the women in our worship spaces? What’s the nature of our relationship with them?
Application
We’re also told that they were self-funded. For these women, following Jesus meant that they gave their all. They gave Him their time, their talents, and their treasure. What would that mean for us in our time – when we say we give our all to Y’shua, does it come with strings attached, or a request to be featured for giving to God what God is due? We might also ask ourselves about the needs that Y’shua would have in our context today, then seek to identify how we can support Him.
Let me be clear – this isn’t only about women. It applies to any and every person who claims Y’shua as Lord of our lives. That’s you, me, and countless others. And yes, there’s something that each of us can give – it’s not all about money. Rather, it speaks to our recognition that who we are is totally tied up in Who Y’shua is, and what He’s done for us. Not every person who supported Jesus was mentioned by name. Even among those women, we’re told,‘ …And many others…’ They gave without expectation of recognition. They gave without intent to defraud, unlike Ananias and Sapphira (see Acts 5).
Point to Ponder
As we consider all that Y’shua gave for us, and we contemplate the needs in our community, what would our super look like? Is it short, medium or long-term? With whom might we partner to make it happen?
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May all we seek be found in Christ
