Joanna and Susanna
Women Who Supported Jesus' Ministry
Women healed by Jesus who supported His ministry from their own resources and witnessed the resurrection.
Luke 8:1-3 lifts the curtain on the women who travelled with Jesus and the Twelve. Among them were 'Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance' (8:3 KJV).
Her Story
Joanna had access to Herod Antipas's household through her husband Chuza, the king's steward. Susanna is named only here. Both were among the women delivered by Jesus and gave from their resources to support the itinerant ministry. Joanna appears again at the resurrection (Luke 24:10) as one of those who brought spices to the tomb and announced the empty grave to the apostles.
What Scripture Teaches
- 1Healed by Jesus from evil spirits and infirmities (Luke 8:2)
- 2Joanna's husband Chuza was Herod's steward (8:3)
- 3Funded Jesus' ministry from their own substance
- 4Joanna witnessed the empty tomb (Luke 24:10)
Key KJV Scriptures
"And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance."
"It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles."
Why It Matters
These women remind us that the early gospel mission was funded by women — often women of means — who turned their resources into kingdom investment.
Application for Today
Whatever your substance — time, money, influence — give it to Christ's work. He still has Joannas and Susannas in His ministry today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Joanna and Susanna travel with Jesus and the Twelve?
Yes — Luke 8:1-3 explicitly says they went with Him from city to city. The early Christian movement included women among its travelling supporters and witnesses.
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