Topical Bible: All Christians should be As Missionaries: Joanna

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Joanna, a lesser-known yet significant figure in the New Testament, exemplifies the call for all Christians to embrace a missionary spirit. Her life and actions, as recorded in the Gospels, provide a model of dedication, service, and evangelism that resonates with the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ.

Biblical Account

Joanna is mentioned explicitly in the Gospel of Luke. She is introduced as one of the women who were healed by Jesus and subsequently became His followers. Luke 8:1-3 states, "Soon afterward, Jesus traveled from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with Him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household, Susanna, and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means."

Joanna's association with Herod's household through her husband, Chuza, suggests she was a woman of some social standing and means. Her decision to follow Jesus and support His ministry financially and logistically indicates a profound commitment to the mission of spreading the Gospel.

Role in the Resurrection Narrative

Joanna's missionary spirit is further highlighted in the resurrection narrative. Luke 24:10 records her presence at the empty tomb: "It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles." Joanna, along with the other women, was among the first to witness the resurrection of Christ and to proclaim this pivotal event to the apostles, acting as a messenger of the Good News.

Missionary Implications

Joanna's life underscores the principle that all Christians are called to be missionaries, regardless of their social status or background. Her support of Jesus' ministry through her resources and her active role in proclaiming the resurrection demonstrate that missionary work is not confined to preaching alone but includes various forms of service and witness.

Her example challenges believers to consider how they can contribute to the mission of the Church. Whether through financial support, hospitality, or sharing the Gospel message, Joanna's life encourages Christians to actively participate in the spread of Christianity.

Legacy and Influence

Joanna's influence extends beyond her immediate actions. By supporting Jesus and His disciples, she played a part in the foundational work of the early Church. Her account, though brief in the biblical text, serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that faithful service and dedication can have on the advancement of God's kingdom.

In summary, Joanna's life is a testament to the call for all Christians to live as missionaries. Her example of service, support, and proclamation of the Gospel provides a timeless model for believers to emulate in their own lives, fulfilling the mandate to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19).

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 8:3
And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered to him of their substance.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Religious Revolution
... son of Maximilian), and of Joanna of Castile ... given to the doctrines on which all
Christians were agreed ... and refuting the Augsburg Confession should be entrusted ...
/.../chapter ii the religious revolution.htm

The Women of the Apostolic Age
... natural functions are tainted with evil and should be ignored ... was the meeting place
of the Christians of Ephesus. ... a slave girl, who was in all probability what ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/ii the women of the.htm

A Case of Conscience Resolved
... their worshipping of God as they should, we shall ... working tools and stock, but commonly
all the furniture, was taken from the Christians, while their ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a case of conscience resolved.htm