Joanna: an important woman to Jesus's ministry

Joanna was a woman of high rank in Herod’s court when she experienced healing at the hands of Jesus. She was a woman of means, political influence, devotion and perseverance for Jesus. And at a time when women were viewed as unreliable witnesses, she is one of a group of women who first heard the news of Jesus’ resurrection. Joanna would be known as a disciple and apostle of Jesus. However, her name is only mentioned twice in the Scriptures and both times are very important. As her name means, “The Lord gives graciously,” she responds to her healing by giving herself totally to his ministry by following him and with her monetary support. Very little is known about Joanna; but why is she important enough to mention by name? As Jesus healed lots of people during his ministry, why is mentioning her healing important? 

Joanna was a wealthy woman who was accustomed to the atmosphere of worldliness and intrigue surrounding the royal courts. She was married to Cuza, the manager of Herod’s household (Luke 8:3). She would most likely be well aware of Herod’s corruption and evil deeds including the death of John the Baptist. The Scriptures don’t specify what Joanna suffered from; however, she is one of three women mentioned as being healed from evil spirits and disease (Luke 8:2-3). Scriptures also do not say if Jesus had been in Herod’s court. I think it is safe to say she sought him out outside of the court. After she was healed, she and the other women helped support Jesus and the disciples with their own money. She may have accompanied Jesus during his ministry for at least two years. And considering his ministry was roughly three years, her time with Jesus is significant. The next time the Scriptures mention Joanna, she is with Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James, as they encounter the angels who proclaim that Jesus has risen (Luke 24:10) and spread the word to the disbelieving disciples (Luke 24:11).

Before modern medicine, minor ailments were treated by a family member or a neighbor who was skilled in the healing arts. Severe illnesses were often treated by a priest who also acted as a physician. As most diseases were thought to be the result of spirits or demons, most medical practices relied heavily on spiritual remedies. Before the discovery of germs, illnesses were often thought to be an imbalance of the humors. The humors were chemicals related to the elements and regulated human health and behaviors. The Scriptures detail more on the prevention of diseases rather than the cures. Ill people were considered unclean and contagious and were kept away from people. The New Testament speaks more on leprosy as a source of uncleanliness and therefore social shunning (Mark 1:40-42). The Gospels are filled with examples of Jesus’ healing powers and no disease or deformity was beyond his power. From paralysis (Mark 2:3-12) to mute and blindness (Matthew 9:27-33) to shriveled limbs (Luke 13:11-13). Jesus still heals today. Sometimes through modern medicine and doctors, sometimes without human intervention and some are brought home to Him. Healing with his divine, sometimes seemingly miraculous, but loving touch. 

It is often overlooked that women are named in the Scriptures. However, it is significant, because women are important to Jesus. Jesus lifted women up from degradation and servitude to the joy of fellowship. In Jewish culture, women weren’t allowed to learn from rabbis and yet, Jesus taught them alongside the men. By including women, Jesus was showing that all people are equal and important to God. Joanna and these women supported his ministry with their own money, behind the scenes but equally as important and essential to those in the foreground. It is a great example of how each believer can be a great resource to God whether we are center stage or not. And yes, throughout history and sadly even in modern times, the Scriptures have been used to oppress women. It hurts my heart to hear and see how God’s words have been used to degrade women to second class citizens. However, a true and deep study of the word of God will show that women are important and essential to His Kingdom. Not just to bear and raise children and take care of the home, women are important to his message of salvation. 

In conclusion, Joanna is one example of the importance of women to Jesus and the kingdom of God. She was a woman in need of healing and when she received that healing, she responded by following and supporting Jesus’ ministry. Joanna was also one of the women who the angel revealed the good news of the Resurrection. She may have also continued spreading His message for the rest of her life. While women have been oppressed with the use of the Scriptures, a study of women like Joanna shows that women were important to Jesus. Jesus tells us in Matthew 20:16, “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” To God, the gift of grace is available to all, not just the ones who are viewed as desirable. We are all important to God and all can come to him for salvation and healing.