In Luke 8:1–3, Luke alone records how women like Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna traveled with Jesus and the twelve, supporting the ministry from their own resources. These women weren’t just passive followers; they were essential leaders and the backbone of the mission, remembered by name for generations. Luke’s Gospel consistently shows Jesus valuing those on the margins and recognizing the quiet, faithful servants who often go unnoticed. This passage challenges us to see and honor those working behind the scenes and to remember that in God’s Kingdom, no act of service is too small.

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Good morning. It’s good to be with you today on this Friday morning. I hope you’re doing well. I’m looking forward to the weekend — or at least, I think I am.

Tomorrow we’re moving our son up to Cleveland to start at Delta State. I’m excited for him. He’s going to have a great time and, I believe, a wonderful college experience.

Years ago — and I’ve told this story in a sermon before — when I got my first church appointment, my parents drove me up to the Delta. I didn’t know a single person there. My mom still tells the story about how she cried all the way home, saying, “I left my baby in the Delta.”

What followed was a wonderful five years of ministry — some of the sweetest, most meaningful moments of my life. I look back on my time there with deep gratitude.

Now, my wife Holly and I get to do the reverse of what my parents did. They left me in the Delta with tears; we’re sending our son there with joy. We couldn’t be happier for Thomas. We have many friends in Cleveland who will look out for him, and we know he’ll find his way.

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Today’s Scripture: Luke 8:1–3

Soon afterwards, he 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; Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza; and Susanna; and many others, who provided for them out of their resources.

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Several things stand out here.

First, let’s clear up a common misconception: there is no biblical evidence that Mary Magdalene was the woman caught in adultery or that she was a prostitute. That idea emerged later in church history, but Scripture never says it. What it does say is that Jesus healed her from demon possession. Beyond that, we don’t know the full story of her life.

That’s why it’s so important to know what the Bible actually says — not just what we’ve heard it says.

Now, here’s something else interesting: this short account is unique to Luke. Matthew and Mark don’t include it. Luke alone gives us this glimpse into the role these women played in Jesus’ ministry.

If you’ve been reading with us from the start, you’ve probably noticed how often Luke shows Jesus going to those on the margins — people others overlook or even avoid. In just the past chapter we’ve seen Jesus heal a centurion’s servant, raise a widow’s son, and receive the love of a “sinful” woman. Over and over, Luke reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.

And here, Luke points out something we might easily miss: these women weren’t just followers; they were leaders and supporters. They provided for Jesus and the disciples out of their own resources. In the early church, they were recognized with honor — their names recorded for all generations to see.

Think about that. Out of all the people alive in Jesus’ day, these three women are remembered by name. They were essential to what God was doing — not just in the background, but as the backbone of the movement. And, as we know from Easter morning, they were also among the first to proclaim the resurrection. Mary Magdalene herself preached the first Easter sermon when she told the disciples, “The Lord is risen!”

This passage reminds us to pay attention to the people working quietly, faithfully, without seeking attention. The Kingdom of God is often built by those behind the scenes — the ones sweeping the floors, making the coffee, visiting the sick, or financing the mission.

Yesterday we reflected that “those who have been forgiven much, love much.” Many of these quiet servants know what it is to be forgiven much, and so they love much.

So let’s notice them. Let’s join them. And let’s remember that in God’s Kingdom, there is no small act of service.

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On Monday, we’ll pick up in Luke 8:4. Luke has some interesting sections coming up that we’ll read together. Thanks for joining me today.