As He traveled, did you know Jesus was accompanied by the twelve apostles and by a second group? That second group, which we often fail to see in our mind’s eye, is composed of women. We’re not talking about Peter’s wife and mother-in-law. We’re talking about women like Mary, also known as “Magdalene,” a nickname akin to Simon being called Peter, “Rock.” Literally, “Magdalene” means “Tower.”

We’re also talking about women like Joanna, the wife of Chuza, the steward of Herod Antipas, king of Galilee. Like Mary Magdalene, Joanna is one of the women who purchased and brought spices to the tomb of Jesus, only to see the stone rolled away and hear two angels proclaim that Jesus has risen from the dead.

What’s more, Luke 8:2 says this second group included “Susanna, and many other women who were contributing to their support out of their private means.” Don’t let the irony pass you by. This group of women aren’t dependent on the men for financial support. It is the other way around. And not just a drachma here or there, but the equivalent of tens of thousands of dollars “out of their private means,” the Bible says.

I’m so thankful for these loving heroes of the faith. I hope you are too. Like them, let’s actively follow Jesus and reach our world.      

This is Luis Palau.