ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
May 29, 2021
Scripture: Luke 8:1-3
Soon afterwards Jesus went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources.
Thought for the Day: Who was really making things happen in the Jesus movement? Clearly there were more than 12 disciples following Jesus. We use the number twelve because so much has historically focused on the twelve guys, yet there were probably an equal number of women…maybe more. Not only were they following Jesus, but it sounds as if they were financing this movement. Had it not been for the women, the 12 might have gone hungry. I picture Jesus growing tired of turning water into wine and multiplying the loaves just to feed those who followed him. Though there is not a lot said about the women, these are clearly individuals with stories, gifts, authority and generosity. In a patriarchal culture, it appears as if Jesus did not follow the norms and expectations of most. Every human being was precious and brought something to the movement. Within the political and religious culture of the first century, this would have sat far outside conventional thinking. What does that tell us about Jesus and God? Scripture was written within a very specific historical context. For that reason, we need to pay close attention wherever something sits outside of that context or even rebuffs it all together. Those are the passages where the heart of the Gospel is most often found.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord God, for always pushing away the restrictions societal norms attempt to impose upon your message. So much is happening within the Jesus story, and we request your help in identifying those places where you are really trying to make your point. Amen.
