Mid-Week Reflection: Luke 8

Scripture Union, “The Bible in a Year Programme” Wednesday 16 March, Day 192.

[Apologies for being a day late but I was unwell yesterday]

Consider

Jesus has been described as hurrying but never hurried, a description that is fully in evidence in chapter 8 of Luke’s gospel. In the opening verses Jesus and the disciples are busy going “from one town and village to another”, their mission, “to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God.” This missionary task is not confined to the men and they are accompanied by “many” women with very different backgrounds. Viewed from our 21st century perspective, it is difficult for us to appreciate just how revolutionary the involvement of women is in the ministry of Jesus. Most of the men at that time believed that women were not even to be seen, much less heard and in their patriarchal culture it is men who provide and women, if they are lucky, who receive. By the standards of the day here is role reversal at its most inflammatory for the missionary work of Jesus is supported by the women “out of their own means” [v.3].

Re-read chapter 8 and enter into the scene. Become one of these men or women as they travel from place to place. Imagine the excitement as crowds gather round in village after village to hear Jesus: his promise of a new world order, which he calls the kingdom of God. Share in the amazement of the miracles. Finally become part of the greatest miracle of all, simply to be in the presence of Jesus as he hurries but is never hurried in the company of people he came to save.

Reflect

• On the sheer diversity of people in chapter 8: male and female, young and old, a local dignitary and a madman, rich and poor, family members of Jesus and strangers in the crowd. Can we do more to reach out to all sections of the community we serve?
• Like the women in verses 2 and 3, do you feel called to support the mission of the church “out of your own means”? This can be expressed in time, money, skills and prayer.
• On what this passage tells us about the role of women in the church today.

Pray

• For the ability to serve enthusiastically but not get stressed. Like Jesus to be hurrying but never hurried.
• For guidance and humility as the Anglican Church considers the appointment of women bishops.