A discussion of Jesus modeling small groups is often centered on a discussion of His 12 apostles, or even about the three men with whom He shared a more intimate relationship (Peter, James, and John). But what of the women who surrounded Him, financially supported Him, and listened to His words?
Who do you think possibly prepared or provided food for the men as they traveled with Jesus? The twelve apostles had left everything, their professions, their families, and their sources of income, to follow Jesus. Yet they were not the only ones that followed and learned from the Rabbi (Teacher).
“Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And 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, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod´s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.” (Luke 8:1-3)
We do not know exactly how much of the three years of Jesus’ ministry on earth the women traveled with Jesus and the apostles. These women were not groupies, they were disciples. Some had been healed, their lives transformed. Others were prominent women, even from Herod’s household, who took great risks to be associated with such a controversial individual.
We know, from Jesus’ admonition to Martha, while teaching Mary in their home, that Jesus valued women and taught them as many Rabbis would not (Luke 10:38-42).
These same women remembered His words, were the first to know of His resurrection and informed the apostles about it (Luke 24:1-11).
This small group of women had an integral place in Jesus’ time here on earth. They modeled the priorities for small groups today.
• Follow the Messiah
• Learn from the Rabbi
• Share stories of His healing in our lives
• Proclaim His resurrection
• Surround and support other kingdom workers
What is your small group focused on?
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