Dependent

Soon afterward [Jesus] went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene… and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means. —Luke 8:1-3 

Dependent

It’s not easy to be dependent on other people for things you are used to doing yourself. I see this in the eyes of refugees who come to me on Sundays, clutching paperwork in a language they can’t understand. They need help, and while they are grateful, they would much rather not be in that situation. 

This makes me wonder all the more about Jesus. He and his disciples seem to have been completely dependent on the money given by the women who supported Jesus’ ministry. But look at the grace with which he manages his dependency! He puts no restriction on the women to keep them out of the spotlight — they even travel with him, though that would be unusual in that culture. And they receive full credit in the Gospels for the important work they are doing.

Jesus has no ego problems. He is completely happy to share the ministry — and the credit — with those who support him. He is more than happy to see those who believe in him finding ways to help bring the gospel to more people. These women did it by giving and possibly through acts of service like shopping and cooking. Their love meant that Jesus and the 12 could spend more time preaching, teaching, and healing. 

The love these women showed is a direct response to the love that Jesus had for them and for us, too. Because, of course, just like them, we are entirely and happily dependent on Jesus! He is the one who laid down his life for our sake, who died and rose again so that we would become forgiven, blessed children of God.  

Some dependency lasts forever—like ours on Jesus. But other dependency goes away as people learn and grow in their new cultures. As they learn to know Jesus, they join in the wonderful job of supporting his work—so that someday, all the world will know how Jesus has saved us and have the chance to trust in him.

Dr. Kari Vo