THE SPECIAL DISCIPLES (LK 8:1-3)
Prayer:
O Jesus, let me accompany you all the days of my life
Imagination:
Picture Jesus with these special disciples, both men and women.
Context:
Only Luke has this section which highlights the role of women in a ministering role for the Kingdom. Jesus had helped each of these women. After being blessed by Jesus, they were invited to travel with the group.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
Jesus travelled through the cities and towns, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom. With him were the Twelve as well as certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities. Mary, called Magdalen, from whom seven devils were cast out. And Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chusa, Susanna and many others who were assisting Jesus out of their means.
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)
- This short summary contains many individual stories. First, the Twelve who are so tightly bonded to Jesus.
- Then the three women whom Luke says were healed. (Chusa is probably the royal official whose son was healed. No wonder he let his wife travel with Jesus).
- Finally, “many others”. All of whom had received some blessing.
- Their gratitude led to full-time service and even using their money for the Kingdom.
- Luke writes that “the women who had followed him from Galilee “were at Jesus death and burial” (24:49 and 55).They were faithful to the end.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- O Jesus, what a privilege to be always in your company.
- By your favors and blessings you bond me to you.
- You share your work. You give me a task. What more can I ask?
- Jesus, wherever you go, I will go.
- Lord, I will use my money for your Kingdom.
- Even at Calvary, I will be there for you.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will recall the special blessings of Jesus.
+ In my gratitude, I will do everything I can for his Kingdom, today.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
The Twelve were with Jesus, as were certain women.