Mary, Joanna + Susanna

Matthew 13, Luke 8, 13

Mary Magdalene

• This is our first introduction to Mary Magdalene.
• It is also interesting to note that she is listed first, in these verses as well as other verses we will get to. This may indicate that she was a leader or had seniority to some of the other women in the group.
• Luke tells us right away that she has been healed and had 7 devils cast out. We can assume that this was a severe case of mental health for her. That it was a miracle indeed for her to be able to function again.
  • As we read these accounts, it seems like these devils create these people to not be in their right mind - like mental health struggles.
  • Christ was healing these men and women.
  • Elder Holland reminded us “Though we may feel we are “like a broken vessel,” as the Psalmist says, we must remember, that vessel is in the hands of the divine potter. Broken minds can be healed just the way broken bones and broken hearts are healed. While God is at work making those repairs, the rest of us can help by being merciful, nonjudgmental, and kind.”
• We can learn from Mary that Christ is the ultimate healer, and that He can make all things possible and heal all infirmities.

Joanna

• Luke 8:3
• Joanna is the second woman listed of those that Christ healed.
• Just so we know who she is, Chuza Herod. The title her husband has, in Greek, means to manage a household or an estate. He was likely one of Herod's head servants and he and Joanna would have lived very well and been close to the family.
• Quote by Richard Holzapefel
  • Walking with the Women of the New Testament page 86. (affiliate link)

Susanna

• Luke 8:3
• We do not know much about Susanna. Only that she was healed and followed Jesus Christ. It even says, “...and other certain women.” It is likely that as these women followed along with Jesus they helped meet His needs of food, clothing and even shelter.
• Luke 23:27, Matthew 27:55
• We learn that Christ wanted women to be with Him to be disciples with everyone else. He loved and encouraged them.

Other Certain Women of the Company

• Luke 13:11-13
• Christ is teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.
• We find out that there is a woman who (read verse 11).
• It would have been common if men and women were both attending that the women were on one side and men on the other side. Sometimes, women would even be covered by a vail.
• In verse 12 we are told that Jesus saw this woman. Then He called her to come to Him. This doesn’t happen often in scripture. Most of the time people are coming to Him - He doesn’t call to others as often though.
• We aren’t quite sure what is happening with her. It says, Spirit of infirmity for 18 years, and that she was bowed together. In verse 16 it says that Satan had bound. Those are the only clues we really have though.
• So, Christ calls this woman over and He lays His hands on her head and immediately she sits up straight and glorifies God.
• The rulers of the synagogues are angry b/c He healed on the Sabbath. He comes and says you are more worried about your animals than about this woman. In verse 16-17 says …