Luke 8:1–3 (ESV)
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.
One of the beautiful things about Christianity is how it ignores many things that society treasures. Wealth does not make one important. High office doesn’t transfer either. Neither does high education.
Mary Magdalene couldn’t have less status. I wouldn’t get within 50 feet of someone possessed by seven demons. She had zero friends when Jesus healed her.
But right there in the same sentence is Joanna, who’s at the other end of the status spectrum. She was apparently healed of some sort of infirmity and has joined with Mary and the apostles following Jesus. They’re all the same in the kingdom of God.
There’s also Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means. Note how wealth does matter. Having the means to provide support isn’t status in the kingdom of heaven, but it’s still useful. Natural assets and talents aren’t despised; they’re just not idolized.
Everyone has a role in God’s kingdom. They’re all glorious. Humble tasks are often essential.
When blizzards hit the Washington, DC area, the radio stations announce, “Only essential employees need report to work.”
This means the highest paid people can stay home. It’s the worker bees who keep society from collapsing. They’re the ones we can’t live without—yet they’re at the bottom of the pay scale.
I don’t know why our society is so messed up like that, but the kingdom of God isn’t.
One of the most important jobs in every church is teaching children’s Sunday School. It has a huge impact on kids and is typically one of a church’s largest programs. Keeping it staffed is a never ending task.
Always pray for your church’s Sunday School. Ask the Lord to provide more top quality teachers and other volunteers.
And encourage the teachers. They give up a lot to do this and the load can burn people out. Praise recharges their batteries.
Also consider helping directly. You don’t need to feel gifted to give this a try. Every teacher started out as an assistant.
On the job training is one of the ways that God grows us.
