“Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources.”
Luke 8:1-3
When we examine the Scripture one of the first things that jumps out at us about the women of Luke 8 is that these women have been healed by Christ. We know from the Scripture that these women began their journeys with evil spirits and infirmities. Mary Magdalene had seven demons come out from her.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines infirmities in these ways. Infirmity (Plural=infirmities) 1. The quality or state of being infirm (weak of mind, will, or character: insecure: not solid or stable) 2. The condition of being feeble, frailty 3. Disease 4. A personal failing or foible (a minor flaw or shortcoming in character or behavior)
We do not get to know the exact details of what each woman in our passage of Scripture today expereinced. However, we do know they experienced healing.
When we need healing, we often turn to a doctor for help. Sometimes it is an easy fix. It is small, simple, and not very scary. We willingly go and obey. Sometimes what we need healing from is bigger. We know the problem, but we also know the fix might be painful, long, and we may have to do hard things. Other times we have no idea what the problem is, and we trust the physician to find it in us and help us through it. Jesus is the Great Healer here. Jesus helps us through the little things, our big imperfections, our challenges, and even the things within us that we need healing from that we are not even aware of ourselves. We all have parts of us that are broken. Today I encourage you to bravely look within yourself. Ask yourself these challenging questions.
What within me is broken? What do I need healing from? Where do I need strength? Where in my life do I need restoration?
Sweet Jesus, help me see the things within me, particularly those that I am not aware of, where I need your healing today. Help me to be brave, trusting, and open to You, Amen.
Jesus brought healing to the many other women in Luke 8, and these women, as an expression of praise, supported Jesus in His ministry. If there is a time in your life where you can recognize Jesus healing you, take time today to praise Him for it. Take an active part in the ministry of Christ and share your story of healing with another.