Joanna, the wife of Cuza

Luke 8:3, 24:10

And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.

Cuza was employed as a steward in Herod’s house. He held a responsible position that needed his attention to domestic and finance matters in Herod’s house. Joanna was Cuza’s beloved wife. Luke 8:1 says, “And it came to pass afterward, that he (JESUS) went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him”. So Jesus was in His ministry going through every city and village preaching and showing the good tidings of the Kingdom of God. Psalm 145:13 says, “Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations”. God’s kingdom is forever and His dominion endures throughout all generations. God is the same yesterday, today and forever; so, His Kingdom is an everlasting one; His throne is for ever and ever (Hebrews 1:8)! Jesus was completely engaged in this mighty act of preaching God’s Kingdom to all people. This should be our primary occupation as well! Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Let us make seeking the Kingdom of God as our first and foremost priority.

Along with Jesus and His twelve disciples, there were certain women like Joanna, the wife of Cuza, Mary called Magdalene, Susanna, and many others, which ministered to him (JESUS) of their substance (Luke 8:2-3). What is noteworthy is that these women ministered to Jesus by supporting them out of their own means. They chose to serve the Lord voluntarily from what they had not expecting to get paid for. I think what is commendable is their heart that is service-oriented for they knew very well their service was unto the King of Kings and in His ministry to preach good tidings of the Kingdom of God. Joanna was a woman among such women who submitted their lives for serving the Lord.

In Luke 24 we read about the victory of the resurrected Lord! Luke 24:1 says, “Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.” Among they that came to the sepulcher were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them (Luke 24:10). These women brought spices that they had prepared. They put their hands to work to prepare the spices to embalm the body of their dear Lord Jesus. The spices they brought were definitely sweet smelling and the fragrance speaks their hearts’ very attitude towards the Lord. Now, our sweet spices to the Lord Jesus Christ are our heartfelt sacrifices. My one prayer to Lord God is to teach me how I can praise Him in a new way, a way that brings a chuckle to Him and causes Him to wait for more such praises from me. Joanna and the women chose to bring such a wonderful perfume to the Lord Jesus Christ. Joanna was among the women who took the news of the resurrected Savior unto the apostles although it was not received well.

What I would like to bring to our attention is the importance of serving the Lord with all our hearts, minds, bodies and souls. A heart fully submitted unto the Lord, yields to His desire and His desire for us is that we seek His Kingdom first. Joanna and the women who were with her supported the ministry of Jesus out of their own means. Joanna’s life speaks unto us that she was a Christ-centered woman who was married to a steward who worked in Herod’s house. Their living was not of high nobility but was one with simple humility. With humble hearts filled with reverence unto our Lord, let us love Him and serve Him!

Next: Eunice and Lois