Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real.
Thomas Merton
Arua 2009, Mags Bryan
Now it happened that after this he made his way through towns and villages preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. With him went the Twelve, as well as certain women who had been cured of evil spirits and ailments: Mary surnamed the Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their own resources. (Luke 8)
Equally made
We see here that the women, mentioned above, were included in his team –they were ‘in’. Not only did they have a key role in providing for the team but got to sit at his feet and learn from the rabbi, thereby refuting the cultural norm particularly for that learning experience, which marginalised women. Interestingly, Jesus could have provided for the team in a miraculous way as he had done on other occasions, but in humbling himself, a stronger message is ommunicated- that men and woman are equally important to God and equally valuable to God.
The women, having received their healing from Jesus, hearts full of gratitude, are ‘fuelled’ into action - they choose to join and provide for Jesus and his team, from their own resources.
Choosing humility
In my last trip to Africa I had a very humbling experience as we travelled overland into DR Congo. Two African women (leaders in the church) and of similar age to myself, chose out of gratitude, to travel by public transport to provide for our team. By public transport I mean they sat on the roof of a bus in torrential rain for 8 hours, just so that they could find utensils and charcoal to cook meals for us on arrival. We had no choice but to accept their kind offer, being in a foreign land with limited resources available to us. We were very grateful. But Jesus, he had resources and chose to humble himself and in so doing, honoured his women companions on the journey.
Questions
You might want to consider - what are you grateful for?
How might you respond to that gratitude?
Perhaps there is something at this time that you are being called to receive? Or offer?
Mags Bryan