Jesus Makes Room for Women
JEN OSHMAN
Lee en español
“After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases …” Luke 8:1-2 (NIV)
Have you ever asked yourself, Do I have a place here? Have you ever felt the tension of wanting to serve and wondering if you’re allowed to serve, or wanting to speak up and wondering if your voice is welcome?
I know I have. I think women around the world ask these same questions: What’s our place? What’s our role?
When those questions feel overwhelming, I love to remember that Jesus made room for women:
“… Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means” (Luke 8:1-3, NIV).
In Luke 8, Jesus was busy with His public ministry. The male disciples were with Him, but Luke points out that there were “also some women” (Luke 8:2). Today, those words might seem insignificant, but in the first century, a rabbi inviting women to come along with him, learn from him, and serve with him would have been revolutionary. Jesus turned upside down the cultural norms surrounding women.
Jesus healed these women spiritually and physically, and He made space for them right next to His other disciples.
Mary Magdalene was there, and we can imagine how she loved Jesus, as He had cast seven demons out of her.
Joanna was there too. She was married to Chuza, who managed Herod’s household. Herod hated Christians (Matthew 14:1-12; Luke 13:31; Luke 23:11), so Joanna had to be brave to leave Herod’s household and follow Jesus, whom Herod wanted to murder.
Luke says Susanna was there, too (we don’t know anything else about her), and so were many other women. What’s more, the women supported Jesus and His followers “out of their own means” (Luke 8:3). These women played an essential role in the Kingdom of God, even financially funding Jesus’ ministry.
The conversation around women’s roles and places can feel loud, complicated, and sometimes downright disheartening. But here’s what’s true: Jesus invited women to learn from Him and to serve alongside Him. Women were not an afterthought or a nuisance to Him. Jesus healed women spiritually and physically and invited them to follow Him in the first century. And He still does today in the 21st century.
Lord, as women, we often struggle with feeling like too much and yet not enough. We sometimes wonder about our place in Your Kingdom. Thank You for making it clear that women are a priority to You, Jesus. Thank You for healing us and inviting us along in Your ministry. May we be grateful, brave, and eager to accept Your invitation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
To learn more about what the Bible says about being a woman, check out Very Good, a seven-session Bible study by Jen Oshman that will help you discover the joy, clarity, and confidence found in God’s good design for women.
ENGAGE
Get a free sample session of the Very Good Bible study here!
Enter to WIN your very own copy of Very Good by Jen Oshman. To celebrate this Bible study, Jen’s publisher will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by filling out the form here. {We’ll randomly select 5 winners and notify them via email by Monday, July 13, 2026.}
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Luke 8:48, “Then he said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace’” (NIV).
Luke 8:54, “But he took her by the hand and said, ‘My child, get up!’” (NIV).
In Luke 8:40-56, which is just a few paragraphs below the verses from today’s devotion, we see Jesus healed a woman who had been sick for many years and a little girl who was dead.
What do you notice about how Jesus treated the woman and the girl who need healing? Do you believe Jesus looks on you, heals you, and treats you with the same kindness and compassion? Share with us in the comments!
© 2026 by Jen Oshman. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
Was this resource helpful? Add Christianity.com as a trusted source for Biblical content.
