Jesus traveled with His disciples from city to city, preaching and healing. After some time, He accumulated more followers than the original twelve. One was a woman named Joanna. Her name only appears twice in the scripture, but Joanna is one of the most unlikely supporters of the Lord Jesus Christ and His ministry on earth.
Herod Antipas was an immoral leader who acted upon his lusts, built the most extravagant structures to show off his wealth, and encouraged his people to believe in the idolatry of Greek culture. Joanna lived in the middle of this dysfunctional and ungodly environment, as she was married to Herod's financial advisor. Yet, even in the midst of all the beautiful things money and power could provide, Joanna wanted more.
Something drew Joanna away from the high life to walk the dusty roads behind a humble carpenter from Nazareth. She was among the women who Jesus had healed from evil spirits and infirmities, or sickness. We don't know much about her story, but we do know the Lord healed her.
Joanna followed Jesus and assisted in the support of His work. God used her to meet a need and gave her a greater purpose than just living among the rich and gluttonous in Herod's court.
She finds herself face-to-face with the King of kings and lord of Lords and surrenders it all.
Watching Jesus as a leader must’ve been eye opening to Joanna. While Herod Antipas sought power, control and respect, God willingly emptied Himself and took on the form of a servant. In Christ’s kingdom, the powerful aren’t automatically blessed. The first are last and the last are first. The humble are lifted up and the prideful fall.
Flattering words weren’t going to give you a seat to the table, but those who were humble and repentant and followed Christ while carrying their own cross were promised crowns. Not in this life, but in the life to come. Joanna’s heart was pricked and changed forever. Jesus didn’t just heal her body, but He saved her soul. He taught her what really mattered.
Matthew 6:19-21, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Jesus showed Joanna an example of sacrificial love and selfless dedication. She now had her eyes on heavenly places and became a witness to the resurrection and empty grave. Jesus showed Joanna that true identity is found in Him, not in this world.
Her riches did not satisfy. Having a spouse of high stature in society did not satisfy. The beautiful things Joanna acquired and the wealthy life she was used to did not satisfy what only Jesus could.
She was willing to risk it all just to be in His presence.
Reflect on what treasures you have stored in your heart today. Be inspired by Joanna and remind yourself that this life is temporary, but life with Jesus leads to an eternity of riches money just can't buy. If you have Him, you have more than enough. Do what you need to do in order to stay in His presence and invest in your heavenly future. Nothing is richer than that!
