I just LOVE Luke 8v1-3 today.
Firstly
The first thing v1 mentions is Jesus' purpose - proclaiming the good news. It's interesting to note that he was defined by his purpose in life - not always by status, job, trade or who he hung around with. His purpose was the most important thing i.e. spreading the Kingdom of God.
How often do we define ourselves by our job (I'm a teacher, I'm a vicar, I'm a nurse...) or by our friends, (I'm Bob's friend, I know person X...). Jesus did none of these things so as not to gain unneccessary attention or status, or to show off. He had his sole purpose of spreading the Kingdom. What is your purpose? What are you here for? Is it to further the Kingdom? Is it to encourage those within the Kingdom? Is it to inspire? To love? To reach-out?... A thought worth thinking.
Secondly
So Luke 8 mentions the 'Twelve' in verse 1, obviously being the 12 male disciples, but then it goes on to talk about Jesus' female followers, complete with their names listed for a whole 2 verses. Here we see Luke - the writer of the gospel of Luke (I think) giving credit and status and awareness to women and their importance. He has followed in Jesus' footsteps. Jesus hung around with women. He loved women. He taught them. They assisted in his purpose. Obviously for the times, they are often not given as much importance as men, but Jesus still acknowledges them, includes them and accepts them. How cool! I thought it was amazing to know that women too were included in Jesus' followers and were allowed a part in his ministry!
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