Day 203: Who do you support? - Luke 8 vs 1 -3

Day 203: Who do you support? - Luke 8 vs 1 -3

1 After this, Jesus travelled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. 3 These women were helping to support them out of their own means. Luke 8:1-3 New International Version (English Standard Version)

Many people will have heard of a lady named Helen Keller who became blind and deaf at only nineteen months old, yet went on to earn a BA degree, give lectures, and become a strong advocate for people with disabilities. But perhaps fewer people will remember the behind the scenes work of a lady named Anne Sullivan who patiently taught Helen Keller in the early difficult years. The names of those in the background are often forgotten. In our short reading today, what was the important work Jesus came to do, and who were his main helpers? (vs1)

Jesus was carrying out the mighty task of making God's kingdom known and had selected and appointed twelve men, eleven of whom would later on continue that important work. But what else does Luke tell us in vs 2-3?

They were assisted and supported by a number of women, some who had been healed of diseases and demons. Apart from the fact that Luke took the trouble to give the names of these ‘background’ helpers, two other thoughts struck me.

Firstly, even though Jesus did many miracles, including feeding over 5,000 people from a few loaves and fish, we see that God was here providing for him and the disciples through normal ordinary means. These women had been saved and were using their own wealth and talents to support the Lord Jesus and the disciples as they spread God's message. I'd venture to say that this is still the way God usually works in the world today. We are called to use our abilities and possessions to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth.

Secondly, Luke surely shows us that a supporting role is as necessary as a leading one. That's true of many things in life. In our school years there were those who played 1st Team sports, or who were the 'king' and queen' of the school ball. Yet without the support of so many others the sports teams may have not done so well and the School Ball would have been a flop. In the world of medicine too, some will achieve fame for amazing operations they carried out. But this would not have been possible without the large teams who assisted them. The supporters seldom get the name and fame of those who were in the limelight, yet they did an important work.

We may not have a prominent role in the Church we are part of, but we can still support the work that goes on in practical ways. We can contribute generously in a financial way. We can be willing to serve in ways that no one notices, such as the cleaning up after events, or picking up someone who has difficulty getting to meetings. And, of course, there is the whole matter of faithfully praying for those who do have more prominent duties.

A very big area where supporters are much needed is in missionary work. Missionaries go out in faith to take the gospel to places where it is hardly known, and where the Church may be very young. In many ways they are like the twelve who were with Jesus. They really need the support of others. They need our prayers and our financial help. In the UK we see the support many people give to football teams – even losing ones! They spend lots of money on season tickets and often travel long distances for away matches. May God stir in us an even greater enthusiasm to support the work of the gospel – even if and when it seems the work is not showing the success we long for.