Episode 126 — Luke 8:1–3 — Women Who Followed Jesus

Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Nick and it’s so cool to be here with you today.
Today is May 6.
Each day, we follow a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise.
Let’s begin.

Slow Down
Jesus is glad you’re here. He longs to spend time with you. He loves you deeply and wants to be in your presence.
Take a moment to pause, quiet your mind, and turn your attention toward Him.
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, then slowly release it.
As you inhale, whisper: “Jesus, I want to follow You.” 
As you exhale, pray: “Show me what that looks like with what I have.”
Do this three times, then rest in silence.

Read
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)

Notice
What stands out to you in this passage?
Is there a phrase that surprises or challenges you?
Hold it in your heart for a moment.

Reread
Hear these words again — and notice who Jesus takes with Him, and what their following actually looked like in practice.

Meditate
It would be easy to read past these three verses. They look like a transitional note — a brief cast list before the next scene. But Luke is doing something quietly remarkable here.
In first-century Jewish culture, women were not counted among a rabbi’s disciples. They were not expected to follow, to learn, to travel. And yet here they are — named, present, and essential. Mary Magdalene, freed from seven demons. Joanna, wife of a man in Herod’s court — someone with everything to lose socially by associating with this itinerant preacher. Susanna. And many others.
They followed. And they gave — contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and His disciples. Their worship was not just emotional or spiritual. It was practical and costly. They put what they had in service of what Jesus was doing.
There is something deeply freeing in this passage. These women were not the twelve. They held no official title. They had no platform. But they were with Jesus — traveling, giving, serving — and Luke sees fit to name them. Their faithfulness mattered. It was recorded. It was honored.
You may not feel like you have much to offer. You may not carry an impressive title or a visible role. But you are with Jesus. And what you bring — your resources, your presence, your faithful, unglamorous support — is seen and valued by the One who named these women in His story.
Take a few moments to reflect on this question:
Am I offering what I actually have to Jesus — my time, my resources, my practical support of His work — or am I waiting until I have something more impressive to give?

Respond
Jesus, let my ordinary faithfulness be an offering to You.

Exercise
The rush of life will meet you again when you leave this sacred place—but you can carry this moment into your day by forming new habits.
Habit: Faithful Support
— Give a Practical Gift Today to Someone Doing Kingdom Work
Today’s habit is inspired by these women who gave from their own resources: identify someone in your life who is doing kingdom work — a pastor, a missionary, a ministry worker, a faithful volunteer — and give them something practical today.
It might be a financial gift. It might be a meal, a note of encouragement, or an offer to help with something concrete. The form matters less than the spirit: I see what you are doing for Jesus, and I want to support it.
These women are in the Gospel because they did exactly this. Their giving made Jesus’ ministry possible. Your giving — however small it seems — participates in the same story.
Before you give, pray: “Lord, show me who to give to and what to give. Let this be an act of worship — my resources in service of Your work.”

I have one ask of you before you go, would you please consider supporting this podcast with a coffee today? One coffee at a time will help me to keep this podcast growing to help more people walk with Jesus. Click the coffee link and give a simple gift.
That’s your two minutes with Jesus for today.
Now, take what you’ve heard…share it and live it.
Until next time, keep slowing down, keep listening, and keep walking with Jesus.