There are certain names that are only mentioned once in the scripture but yet relevant. As we seek to understand and know more about the women in the Bible, it is important to know that God is not a misogynistic God. We find women involved in God's plans as much as the men. Jesus had a lot of disciples, possibly more than we know. At one time, Jesus sent seventy-two people for evangelism:
"After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” (Luke 10:1, 17). These would have included women. Women such as Mary Magdalene, Mary and Martha (siblings of Lazarus), Salome, Joanna, Susanna, Mary the mother of Joseph among many others were instrumental in Jesus' ministry. This post shall focus on Susanna.
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. (Luke 8:3)
Susanna and the other female disciples traveled with Jesus from one town and village to another, as Jesus proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God. With Jesus were the Twelve apostles 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. These women were helping to support them out of their own means (see Luke 8:1-3).
Like many of the other female disciples, Susanna didn't follow Jesus when she was perfect. In fact, she was one of the women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Susanna had an issue and it is fair to say that she first came to Jesus to be saved from oppression. The scriptures do not give us any background details into her personal life. Maybe her name was unique that at the mention of Susanna, the recipient of Luke's letter knew who she was (unlike the many Mary’s which had to be differentiated by association or city).
The female disciples including Susanna were active in the ministry of Jesus. They were the ministry financiers: helping to support the ministry out of their own means. It is also possible to assume that Susanna and the other women had a source of income. They could have been working on a venture profitable enough to support the growing ministry of Jesus and at the same time fully committed to the ministry. Susanna could as well get considered hardworking (entrepreneurial) and generous (kindness). Imagine working only to support a ministry other than getting yourself all those fanciful stuff women in her days would have longed for. The same litmus test that Ananais and Sapphira failed, because they could not even tell the truth about a property they had sold (Acts 5). Imagine Susanna and the other female disciples just working to keep Jesus' ministry going. These women were so committed that the cross and the tomb did not stop them from ministering to Jesus.
Susanna might not have had a pulpit to preach but she propelled the message of the gospel through her service, giving and testimony. Indeed, she was saved to save others. She was committed to ensuring that Jesus had enough support to be able to save as many as possible. She was not shy to be identified as a disciple of Jesus. Even though her culture might not have made room for women such as her, Jesus made room for her.
Dear woman, you have been saved to save others. You have been saved to bear fruits. You have been saved to impact the nations. This is not rocket science, it begins when you become intentional to sit with Jesus and be prepared. Yours might not be the pulpit but the marketplace. Be willing to learn, equipped and trained for your field of souls. Seek help and don't be afraid to ask questions. Christian Maturity is an intentional process.
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